Retired UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal denies Gilbert Burns‘ allegation of cheating at UFC 287 by applying lotion on his skin to make it slippery, asserting that he has never greased or cheated in his career.
Recently retired UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal has denied Gilbert Burns’ allegation that he cheated at UFC 287. After outpointing Masvidal via unanimous decision, Burns accused his opponent of using an “old dog, Miami trick” by applying lotion on his skin before the fight. He claimed that the lotion seeped out during the fight, making Masvidal’s skin slippery and thus more challenging to grapple. In response, Masvidal said, “There’s a commission. There was, like, three commissioners backstage. There’s numerous people backstage besides [UFC anti-doping partner U.S. Anti-Doping Agency]. I’ve never greased, I’ve never been caught for cheating or anything.”
Slipping into further defense, Masvidal added, “Maybe I’m the sweatiest motherfucker he knows, but I’ve never greased. I’ve never put on anything in my life for forever. I’ve never done that in my life. Maybe he should blame his technique for f****** being shitty, not being able to do anything but just hold on the ground.” Despite Burns completing four takedowns and racking up significant time in control of Masvidal on the canvas, he stated that if Masvidal hadn’t been so slippery, he would have finished the fight.
Following the match, Masvidal announced his retirement from the sport and exited the arena with his family. He did not appear at the post-event press conference to answer Burns’ accusation. Masvidal maintained his stance, saying, “I’ve never cheated. The referee was there, touching me constantly and breaking us up and moving us around. You’re telling me he couldn’t tell if I had grease? Ain’t no difference between that and sweating, so it’s whatever, bro.” He also pointed out that he had never even had a point taken away from him in his 50-something pro fights, and the decision loss to Burns marked his fourth straight UFC setback. Despite contending with legal troubles outside the cage due to his rivalry with Colby Covington, Masvidal reiterated his clean record inside the octagon, asserting that he has never used steroids or missed weight, and therefore felt no need to cheat.