After 'cold shower' knockdown, Jorge Masvidal aiming for Donald Cerrone

SAN JOSE – Things weren’t looking good for Jorge Masvidal (27-8 MMA, 4-1 UFC) after Daron Cruickshank’s right hand deposited him on the canvas. But according to “Gamebred,” the crushing knockdown was little more than a wake-up call.

“It was like jumping in a cold shower,” Masvidal joked at Saturday’s post-UFC on FOX 12 press conference. “It woke me right up.”

Masvidal and Cruickshank met in the featured prelim of Saturday’s event, which took place at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Both men are known for their capable standup skills, but it was Cruickshank who struck first, flooring Masvidal with a blow that looked destined to end the fight. Masvidal looked unconscious as he fell to the floor but somehow quickly recovered and carried on.

When asked just how rocked he was from the blow, Masvidal insisted he was just playing possum.

“I was just trying to get that ‘Fight of the Night,’” Masvidal said with a laugh.

Perhaps even more remarkable, Masvidal didn’t just recover. He actually gained momentum as the fight wore on, and he outworked Cruickshank over the final two rounds to earn an impressive – and briefly improbable – decision win.

Masvidal said he was happy with the result but wasn’t necessarily satisfied with his effort.

“I did alright,” Masvidal said. “I’d give it like a ‘C’ or something.”

Masvidal, who is now 5-1 in his past six fights, said despite the early trouble, he emerged from the bout relatively unscathed. In fact, the 29-year-old said he’s already itching to get back in action, and he’d like to face Donald Cerrone in two months.

“I just want to get back in there,” Masvidal said. “I know Cerrone needs a fight in September, so hopefully they can book me for that.”

And it’s nothing personal, Masvidal said. Like Cerrone, he’s just down for a paycheck. So as far as Masvidal is concerned, it’s an obvious booking.

“I just need money,” Masvidal said. “He needs a fight.

“I’m injury free, so I’m ready to go in September. He needs an opponent, so let’s go.”

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