Former UFC welterweight standout Jorge Masvidal, known for his explosive fighting style and record-breaking knockouts, has once again made headlines, not for mixed martial arts but for his outspoken political views.
In a recent interview at a high-profile event, Masvidal called on former President Donald Trump to take decisive action against Cuba’s long-standing authoritarian government, arguing that relief for the island nation is long overdue.
From Fighter to Political Advocate
Masvidal’s transformation from combat athlete to vocal political advocate reflects his personal connection to Cuba’s troubled history.
His family fled the island decades ago, escaping what he describes as an oppressive communist system.
These stories of hardship have shaped his worldview and motivated him to speak publicly about issues affecting Cuban people and Cuban-Americans.
At the Hispanic Prosperity Gala held at Mar-a-Lago, Masvidal explained why he believes the United States should act more forcefully to dismantle the Cuban dictatorship.
“My father left that tyrannical government. We’ve seen up close the suffering, the lack of freedom, the economic collapse,” he told attendees.
His remarks underscored the deep emotional impact his family’s history has had on him.
“It’s time to stop watching people suffer,” Masvidal said, emphasizing that the Cuban population has “needed help for a long time.”
He went on to assert that change “should have happened 60 years ago,” pointing back to the beginning of the communist regime.
Comparing Cuba to Venezuela
Masvidal drew parallels between Cuba and Venezuela, another country that has faced extreme economic decline and political repression.
He referenced the January 3 operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly apprehended and transported to the United States on charges tied to drug trafficking, a move he believes shows that government change is possible and necessary.
According to Masvidal, Cuba’s citizens are enduring similar hardships and deserve international support.
“People are literally dying over there,” he said, insisting that strong action now could prevent further suffering and instability.
A Broader Political Message
While Masvidal clearly supports aggressive measures to remove Cuba’s communist leadership, his views on immigration policies, especially those associated with Trump’s political agenda, are more nuanced.
On the topic of deportation and border control, Masvidal stated that violent criminals should indeed be removed from the United States.
At the same time, he expressed concern for law-abiding immigrants who have lived in the country for years, paid taxes, and contributed meaningfully to their communities.
“Many of my own family members still don’t have legal status,” he said, urging for policies that could allow hardworking residents to stay or return lawfully.
This perspective highlights a balancing act between supporting national security and recognizing the human element behind immigration issues, especially for families with deep personal ties to political turmoil abroad.
Why Masvidal’s Voice Matters
Jorge Masvidal isn’t just a former fighter with a big personality; he has emerged as an influential voice among conservative Latinos and supporters of Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
His public presence at political events, combined with his fame from UFC, gives his viewpoints broader visibility than many other advocates.
There are even rumors of a Trump-backed UFC event taking place at the White House, possibly featuring Masvidal in a spotlight role.
Whether that event happens or not, Masvidal’s willingness to speak on political matters has already attracted attention across U.S. media and political circles.
A Personal Connection to Cuba’s Struggles
The emotional core of Masvidal’s statements lies in his family’s lived experience. He shared memories of relatives risking their lives to flee Cuba, including one aunt who crossed a minefield near Guantánamo Bay and was seriously injured in the process.
These vivid recollections are a major reason why Masvidal feels compelled to push for change not only in the United States but also in his ancestral homeland.
He described learning early in life about the brutal reality of authoritarian oppression and how these lessons shaped his opposition to systems like communism and socialism.
For Masvidal, these ideologies represent not just theory, but personal suffering endured by people he loves.
A Call for Action
Masvidal’s message is clear: he believes the world cannot ignore Cuba’s plight any longer.
Calling on Trump to act, he insists that the Cuban people deserve freedom, opportunity, and relief from decades of political repression.
Whether his remarks lead to policy changes or not, they highlight ongoing debates about U.S. foreign policy, immigration, and the role of public figures in political discourse.
In a time when global crises and human rights issues dominate international headlines, Masvidal’s passionate stance reminds audiences that personal history often drives public advocacy, especially when the stakes are high.