Get ready for an explosive return to the ring as Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred FC gears up for a massive 16-man heavyweight tournament! This highly anticipated event will kick off on April 10th in the Dominican Republic, featuring a former UFC title contender in the main event. But here's where it gets controversial...
Anthony Smith, who had previously retired, is making a comeback with a bare-knuckle MMA fight at heavyweight. He'll be facing off against another UFC veteran, Chase Sherman, in what promises to be an intense and action-packed battle. Masvidal describes it as a "good old time" with no gloves, showcasing the same moves and intensity as UFC fights.
"Anthony Smith is taking off the gloves and stepping into the ring with one of the toughest guys ever. Chase 'The Terminator' Sherman is built for bare-knuckle combat, and he's not going down easily. This is going to be a brutal display of skill and endurance," Masvidal teased.
The tournament, which will span throughout 2026, starts with a bang on April 10th, and you can catch all the live action for free on Masvidal's YouTube and Facebook channels. Masvidal assures us that this is just the beginning, with a second Gamebred FC show planned for May 1st in Miami.
"We've got a full slate of 16 heavyweights, and we're unveiling five bouts on April 10th. The main event will be a showdown between Anthony Smith and Chase Sherman, while Guto Inocente takes on Mohammed Usman. It's going to be an epic night of MMA action," Masvidal enthused.
And this is the part most people miss... the winner of this heavyweight tournament will walk away with a six-figure paycheck! Masvidal is determined to increase the prize money as the tournament progresses, with the champion taking home a cool $500,000.
"We want to reward our fighters and show our appreciation for their skills and bravery. I envision a day when the champion's purse is a whopping $5 million, but we're taking it one step at a time. We're confident that with this kind of incentive, we'll attract top talent from across the MMA spectrum," Masvidal explained.
In addition to the heavyweight tournament, Masvidal revealed plans for a lightweight tournament as well. With several successful cards promoted between 2021 and 2024, Masvidal is confident that 2026 will be a breakout year for Gamebred FC, especially with the heavyweight tournament setting the tone.
"We're going to break the internet with this one. We'll turn heads and capture the attention of MMA fans worldwide. When I envision these shows, I see a massive card with something for everyone. I've got a diverse lineup of talent, from UFC vets to PFL champions and Bellator veterans. And I've got some surprise names that will definitely turn heads," Masvidal promised.
So, will Anthony Smith's comeback be a success? Can Chase Sherman live up to his "Terminator" nickname? And who will emerge as the heavyweight champion? Tune in to find out, and don't forget to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments! It's going to be an unforgettable year for Gamebred FC, and we can't wait to see the action unfold.
