Masvidal Credits Kimbo Slice For Career Launch

Jorge Masvidal says Kimbo Slice handed him his first real platform as a fighter after the two crossed paths at a Miami gym in the mid-2000s.

The former UFC title challenger told Daniel Cormier in a recent interview that he and Slice trained together at Freestyle Fighting Academy, according to Sherdog. Masvidal already had amateur bouts and grappling experience when a gym owner asked Slice to watch him spar. Slice, whose backyard fight videos were pulling huge numbers online at the time, agreed to feature Masvidal on his underground platform.

How Masvidal Got On Slice's Backyard Circuit

Masvidal said the events were tightly guarded because organizers faced fines and possible arrest. He got two hours' notice before his first appearance, which took place behind a laundromat in Liberty City. Just before Masvidal fought, Slice gave him a simple scouting report.

"He comes back about 20 seconds later and he goes, 'Keep your left hand up. He's got a really, really good right,'" Masvidal recalled. "So, we got in there, and we made magic, man."

Masvidal, who grew up not far from Slice in South Florida, said they had mutual friends and ended up at the same gym as Slice built his viral profile. He credited Slice with taking a chance on him when he did not have to.

"I always give him big props because he put me on his platform," Masvidal said. "He didn't have to."

Masvidal has not fought since his loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jorge Masvidal credits Kimbo Slice for helping launch his fighting career