Sonnen Says “Gamebred” Too Old To Get Re-Signed

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

“Gambred” is too old, apparently.

Jorge Masivdal has been “retired” from mixed martial arts (MMA) since his disappointing hometown loss to Gilbert Burns last year at UFC 287 (April 8, 2023). However, in recent weeks, he announced he’s planning a comeback (don’t you just love MMA retirements?).

Masvidal, 40, claims Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will beg him to fight for the title after he knocks someone “dead.”

That is if UFC re-signs him in the first place, which is something former two-time title challenger Chael Sonnen believes will not happen.

“Now here we are, and I don’t predict for you that they’re gonna make that fight [Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards]. In fact, quite the opposite,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “I don’t predict for you anybody at the age of 40 is going to get signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including, if it’s a re-signing right, for a guy that’s coming back, I think of a guy who exhausts his contract, even on a winning streak, but along the way past 40. Thank you very much for your time. That’s what I think. But there’s not an actual rule that says otherwise.”

Sonnen admits that while he believes UFC will not bring Masvidal back, the storyline between the original Baddest Motherf—ker (BMF) and Leon Edwards could be too good for the UFC to pass up.

“Even if it’s one night, and even if it’s in a checkers move, in a game of chess, where it’s got to have a return on investments, it’s got to have reasons, and you got to this fight carries to something else. You’re right. That is the way it’s done,” Sonnen said. “So, if we are discussing Leon and Masvdial and we’re trying to figure out why trying to justify it, and how exactly did we get here? Is it fun? Is it something I would like to see, I will just remind you three piece and a soda that should answer the question you.”

While Masivdal isn’t the draw he once was, and he’s older, that hasn’t stopped UFC CEO Dana White and co. from booking over-the-hill fighters. If there is money to be made, “Gamebred” will fight in the UFC again.

Sorry, Uncle Chael, don’t let your feud with Masvidal cloud your judgment.