Jorge Masvidal is set to step back into competition, but not inside the octagon.
The former UFC welterweight contender will compete in a submission-only grappling bout against Shara Magomedov under the Hype FC banner on March 11, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
The matchup marks a notable change of direction for Masvidal, who has not fought since losing a boxing decision to Nate Diaz in July 2024.
His absence from mixed martial arts has now stretched close to three years, making this grappling appearance a significant return to the public eye.
While Masvidal has extensive fighting experience, pure grappling competition has been rare in his career, with his last notable match on the mats coming against Anthony Pettis in 2019.
Magomedov, however, enters the match with more recent grappling exposure.
He competed against top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan at ACBJJ Armenia on December 30, in a match that ended in a draw after six minutes.
Despite repeated takedowns and positional pressure from Tsarukyan, Magomedov avoided submissions and managed to survive the exchanges.
The upcoming meeting now presents an intriguing stylistic clash: Masvidal’s veteran combat experience against Magomedov’s recent grappling activity.
For Masvidal, it represents a competitive return without the risks of a full MMA bout, while Magomedov gains a high-profile opponent on a global stage.
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