In November, the “M” in MSG might stand for Miami.
Jorge Masvidal tweeted to The Rock on Sunday that he wanted him to put the belt around his waist if he beats Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 244 on Nov. 2 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. On Monday, The Rock responded, and said he was in if he’s able to make it to the bout with his busy schedule.
Doing all I can to make this fight. If I can and you win, I’ll put the belt around your waist at MSG – consider it done. Already shaping up to be one of the biggest and most electrifying fights in @ufc history. Can’t wait. @GamebredFighter @NateDiaz209 #respect #BMF #UFC244 ⚡️ https://t.co/nVTIeBtkgv
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 9, 2019
Masvidal and Diaz are not fighting for an official UFC title, but Diaz proposed the idea that he and Masvidal fight for the fictional “Baddest m—– f—–” title after Diaz beat Anthony Pettis last month at UFC 241. Masvidal and the UFC have run with that idea and Dana White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Saturday that the promotion will actually have that belt designed and made.
Masvidal asked The Rock specifically because of their ties to Miami. Masvidal was born and bred in the city, while The Rock, whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, played football at the University of Miami. The Hollywood actor and former WWE champion Johnson is a longtime UFC fan, and once considered a move to MMA. He frequently attends big MMA events when his schedule allows.
Masvidal (34-13) is coming off a five-second knockout of Ben Askren at UFC 239 in July. It was the fastest finish in UFC history. That historic KO and his knockout of Darren Till in March have made Masvidal one of the hottest names in MMA. Meanwhile, Diaz (20-11) returned after a three-year layoff following back-to-back fights with Conor McGregor to dominate Pettis in a unanimous decision victory.