Born and raised on the mean streets of Miami, Jorge Masvidal (20-5-0) learned from an early age how to defend himself. However, a rough upbringing can be a blessing in disguise. In Jorge's case it was. It got him ready for the toughest and fastest growing sport in the world: mixed martial arts.

It wasn't long before we discovered that we might've already known each other from our high school days. I myself went to high school in Miami. Jorge was supposed to attend my high school but went somewhere else instead. When I revealed where I lived, Jorge responed with, "Yeah that was my old chillspot. Man, The Fountaine Bleu Miltons. You must've got in a lot of fights over ther huh? I know I did". He was spot on, I was getting in fights almost everyday and eventually got kicked out of high school for it. "I was like 12 years old, knocking people out; I was skinny so I had to fight", says Masvidal. All that fighting lead to a successful career as an elite MMA fighter.

Dave Herbert: Hey Jorge how is everything? How is training?

Jorge Masvidal: Training is going well. I trained today with Mike Brown and Thiago Alves. I love my camp. A lot of world class fighters to train with.

DH: Anything going on at the moment? You have a fight coming up?

JM: No, not at the moment. I can't give out the details, but I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place with Bellator right now. I haven't fought for them in over a year. I'm not happy with them. I want to be with someone that will keep me active; fighting 5-6 times a year.

DH: I was wondering why you didn't get a slot in the 2nd season lightweight tournament. It was rumored you were going to get a rematch with Toby Imada. Is this still happening?

JM: It was supposed to happen, but I was told recently that Toby has a broken nose, so that probably won't be happening.

DH: Will you stick with Bellator?

JM: Hard to say, but at this point it's looking pretty grim. I really don't want anything to do with Bellator right now. As it stands I could possibly be a free agant soon.

DH: That kinda sucks, simply because I was looking forward to seeing you and Alvarez slug it out eventually; or even Roger Huerta.

JM: The Huerta fight will never happen in Bellator. That's all I can say. As for Eddie, I really look up to him. I think he is a real badass. Needless to say, I was really excited to fight him in that first season tournament. I respect him immensely but I was ready to go war with him and kick his ass.

DH: It's quite possible he could be fighting Strikeforce champ Gil Melendez soon. Who do you see taking that one?

JM: Oh, Eddie for sure. I'm not knocking Gilbert; he's great too. I just think Eddie is a better fighter; better wrestling, striking and overall more powerful. It will be a great fight.

DH: Back to your your fighting career. Do you have any idea where you want to go from here? Has anyone showed interest in signing you?

JM: Japan is always an option but the market over there is not so good right now. I wouldn't mind going to Dream.

DH: I could see that. I think you would match up very well Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri.

JM: Man, that guy is awesome; great fighter. I would to love fight him; he would be a true test for me. He's going to beat Aoki at Dream 15.

DH: I have to say I agree with you on that one. How about the UFC? Any interest in going there to wreak havoc?

JM: Are you kidding me? (laughs) I would love to go to the UFC. The UFC keeps it's fighters active...if they win, which I plan to. I think I can take most of the guys in the UFC.

DH: I have to agree with you again there. Anyone you would like to fight at 155?

JM: Imada. (laughs) But that is a given. I don't want to start calling anybody out until I get a nice win streak going. Then I will go for whoever is at the top. I want to fight the best.

DH: That submission loss to Imada...how did it affect you and your training? Did you start doing alot more Jiu Jitsu? You were destroying him at first.

JM: I have always done alot of Jiu Jitsu. That position I was in...I didn't think I was in trouble until it was too late and I was already going to sleep. He got into that position and just kind of stumbled upon that submission. It won't happen again.

DH: Last question, how did you get your nickname, "Gamebred"?

JM:  All my life I have had a love and passion for Pitbulls. They are amazing dogs; so loyal and fierce. Those dogs would die for you. I have two myself... Nena and Mia; my two girls. I couldn't think of a better name to go with. 

DH: That's good stuff man; great nickname. Growing up, me and my stepdad raised Pits. Some of the best memories of my life was with those dogs.

Hopefully everything works out for Jorge and we get to see him in the Octagon soon. An appearance in Dream against "Crusher" Kawajiri would not be so bad either. I think I speak for all MMA fans when I say good luck Jorge and can't wait to see you fight again.