Report - Jorge Masvidal Eyes October Or November Return, Clash With Nick Diaz, Colby Covington

Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC

Two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal is reportedly planning his second Octagon outing of the year for this October or November -- with rumoured pairings against the likes of former title challenger, Nick Diaz or one-time interim gold holder, arch-rival, Colby Covington both eyed as potential opponents.

Headlining a hometown event in April, BMF champion, Masvidal rematched welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman, to round out a three title-fight card at UFC 261 -- suffering a massive, one-punch second round knockout. The loss came Masvidal's second consecutively following a unanimous decision defeat to Usman on 'Fight Island' last July. 

Prior to the immediate title rematch against Auchi native, Usman, Masvidal was linked to a coaching role on a reboot of The Ultimate Fighter against former teammate and interim welterweight titleholder, Covington. With the rumoured pairing failing to come to fruition, Covington claimed that Masvidal turned down a "seven-figure" payday to coach the TUF reboot opposite him.

Following his loss to Usman, with the above-mentioned former Strikeforce and WEC welterweight champion, Diaz in attendance at the Vystar Veteran's Memorial Arena -- Masvidal was linked to a potential pairing with the Stockton fan favourite, having bested Diaz's younger brother, Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019 to lift the symbolic BMF championship.

Per a report tonight from Ariel Helwani who spoke with Masvidal's manager, First Round Management leader, Abraham Kawa -- Masvidal is currently eyeing a return to the Octagon in either October or November, with a pairing against either Diaz or Covington targeted.

"Spoke to Jorge Masvidal's manager, Abraham Kawa, about what's next for Masvidal," Helwani reported. "He said Masvidal is targeting a return in October/November against either Nick Diaz or Colby Covington."

Recent rumblings have suggested the Usman would take on Covington in a title rematch next, and with Gilbert Burns set to meet with two-time title challenger, Stephen Thompson this weekend in the co-main event of UFC 264 -- the division appears quite muddled. 

#3 ranked contender, Leon Edwards also featured recently -- taking home a unanimous decision win over Nate Diaz in a five round bout at UFC 263 in June.