Jorge Masvidal hints at retirement ahead of UFC 287

Jorge Masvidal has hinted that UFC 287 might be the last time we ever see him in action inside the Octagon.

The 38-year-old mixed martial artist and famed MMA fighter Jorge Masvidal is expecting one of the toughest matches to date against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. This is also following the biggest losing streak of Masvidal's career. Should he suffer another loss, Masvidal isn't sure he will continue his career inside the Octagon.

“This could be the last one,” Masvidal said on the UFC 287 countdown (h/t MMA Fighting). “If I lose, I’m pretty much calling it quits. But a win against Gilbert means that things are headed in the right direction. So if I roll the dice and I do everything right, I’m going for it all. For one title, or many titles.”

Back to back losses against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and a lone grudge match defeat at the hands of Colby Covington currently have Masvidal sitting at 0-3. This undoubtedly adds even more importance and stress as far as his next fight with Burns is concerned, but it might surprise many that he's considering retirement if things don't go his way at UFC 287.

“I think I’m at my best right now,” Masvidal continued. “My mental, my physical, now I’ve got to go out there and prove it. I’ve got my back up against the wall but I get to start my resurrection here in Miami, Dade County, the city that birthed me, that made me, that molded me, so I’m more than excited. April 8, I give it all I got, and I win. We keep rolling that dice until we get that f****** belt. Let’s go!”

Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal set to shape an entire division for years to come

If Masvidal considering retirement based on another loss isn't any indication: this upcoming fight with Burns might just be the most important battle of his career, besides his welterweight title shots against Usman.

While he rose from just another fighter on the roster to a gigantic UFC star, Masvidal has publicly said he's looking to win the ultimate gold and attain his dreams of capturing a UFC title. Another loss against Burns puts him at 0-4, and obviously puts a title shot well outside of his grasp.

While only time will tell, these latest statements by Masvidal about his looming battle with the ferocious Burns will surely add fuel to the flames that make this fight a compelling and fiery upcoming banger between welterweight elites.