Jorge Masvidal: Matches to Make for Him in the Welterweight Division

For the first time since he battled Paul Daley in September 2010, Jorge Masvidal is planning to compete in the welterweight division.

Masvidal's decision was revealed on "UFC Tonight" by Fox Sports 1 reporter Ariel Helwani.

Since joining the UFC lightweight division, Masvidal has posted a 5-2 record. Before then, he had a 3-1 run in the Strikeforce lightweight class, which included a decision loss in a championship bout against Gilbert Melendez, who remains among the best 155-pounders in the world.

Currently ranked No. 15 among UFC lightweights, Masvidal has had a good amount of success at 155 pounds. However, a controversial decision loss to Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 63 appears to have him looking for a change in scenery.

Also competing in the Bellator MMA lightweight division, Masvidal has spent most of his career at 155 pounds. However, a move to the welterweight class wouldn't mark the first time Gamebred has competed at 170 pounds.

Under the Shark Fights banner, Masvidal fought to a decision loss against Daley almost five years ago. The competitive bout brought a lot of positive attention toward Masvidal, though, and likely played a big part in his signing with Strikeforce for his next outing.

While Masvidal's track record at 170 pounds isn't great, there's enough evidence to suggest he could have some success in the UFC welterweight class. Here are some matchups that could get Masvidal started on a potential path toward title contention in his new weight division.

Nate Diaz

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If Masvidal is going to test the welterweight waters, it might make some sense for him to be matched up with an opponent who has also bounced between 155 and 170 pounds.

Nate Diaz has spent a good amount of time in both weight classes and was recently linked to a return to the welterweight division opposite Matt Brown. That matchup fell through, but there is still a chance that UFC matchmakers would be able to talk Diaz into a 170-pound bout.

With losses in three of his past four lightweight bouts, Diaz might benefit from his own move to the welterweight class. He went 2-2 in his last welterweight stint, but it's unlikely that Diaz would be earning a title shot at 155 pounds any time soon, since he lost to current champion Rafael dos Anjos in his most recent trip to the Octagon.

Both 30 years old and coming off of losses, Masvidal and Diaz are looking to get things turned around right away. Beside the fact that this matchup would ensure one man gets back into the win column, it would also have a good chance of producing some entertaining and technical boxing.

Martin Kampmann

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Currently coaching the Team Alpha Male crew, Martin Kampmann hasn't competed since August 2013. However, Kampmann hasn't retired or completely closed the door on a return to the Octagon.

If Kampmann were to return to competition, it's unlikely that he'd do so against an elite welterweight. Instead, a big-name lightweight like Masvidal would make a lot of sense as a return opponent.

Like the matchup between Masvidal and Diaz, a bout between Gamebred and Kampmann could result in some interesting stand-up exchanges. Both individuals are talented and entertaining strikers who may have the ability to put on a Fight of the Night performance against each other.

All of that said, Kampmann has not openly expressed interest in taking any fights since becoming the Team Alpha Male head coach. Therefore, there's a good chance he wouldn't be returning to action by the time Masvidal is ready to make his UFC welterweight debut.