UFC's Jorge Masvidal After Kamaru Usman Loss: 'I Can't Retire Without the Belt'

Gary McCullough/Associated Press

Jorge Masvidal isn't finished chasing the welterweight title, even after falling via knockout to current champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 261 on Saturday. 

The 36-year-old told ESPN's Ariel Helwani that he considered retirement after the loss, but the "people that I trust the most in the world," namely his father and coach, told him to try again.

"I love this sport, I can't retire without the belt," Masvidal said. "I'm stubborn, I just want to give it as much as I can. I'm 36 years old, I still feel good, I still push myself at the gym and not be overwhelmed by the young guys, so why not give it another run?"

Masvidal has now lost two successive matches in his quest for Usman's belt, but the way he fell was a rarity in his career. He hasn't lost by knockout or technical knockout since 2008. 

He explained that he thought Usman was going to try for a takedown, but he fell for his trick and got caught with a hand to the jaw. 

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"I thought he was going in for a shot, and by the time I realized it wasn't a shot, it was too late," Masvidal said. "I read the information wrong. He sold it to me beautifully. Of that moment, I am a fan, because I love this sport so much. It was a beautiful technique."

Masvidal said he hopes to fight at least one more time this year, and he said he'd be open to allowing Nick Diaz to try and level the playing field after Masvidal defeated his brother, Nate Diaz, in 2019.