Jorge Masvidal has never been one to shy away from a bold prediction, and his latest take on UFC 328 could make for a very memorable family vacation. The former BMF champion is betting big on Sean Strickland to pull off a stunning upset over Khamzat Chimaev in Saturday's main event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Strickland enters the octagon as a sizable underdog against the undefeated Chechen powerhouse, who has built a reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the sport. But 'Gamebred' isn't just predicting a win—he's expecting fireworks. Speaking on Paramount's Deep Waters podcast alongside Dustin Poirier and Din Thomas, Masvidal laid out his money plan with characteristic confidence.
"I've got my money on Chimaev losing," Masvidal said. "I've got Strickland all day. I've been saying it the whole time. The guys that are close to Chimaev in that realm, Strickland has handled them well. It's really hard to hold this guy down. I've seen it with my own eyes."
Masvidal's faith in Strickland goes beyond just a victory. He's betting on a finish inside the distance, a bold wager given Chimaev's unblemished record and dominant wrestling-heavy style. "Chimaev has never fought anybody like that," Masvidal added. "I've dumped some money on Strickland finishing it. As long as he doesn't get submitted in that first round, I'm even dumping more money. They've got those live bet apps now. I'm gonna pay off this Disney vacation I'm taking my kids on from Strickland winning."
The stakes are high for both fighters. Strickland is chasing his second chance at the middleweight title after a heated buildup that has added extra edge to an already intense matchup. Meanwhile, Chimaev silenced some critics with his dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis last August, proving he can control a fight at will. But if he chooses to entertain rather than just control, that could open the door for Strickland's relentless pressure.
A recent Bloody Elbow poll showed 39% of fans backing Strickland to reclaim the belt—and now one of MMA's most recognizable names is putting his money where his mouth is. Whether it's a Disney vacation or just bragging rights, Masvidal is all in on the underdog.