The renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Jorge Masvidal, recently opened up about why he has chosen not to visit Cuba, despite his Cuban heritage. In a candid interview on the YouTube channel Sin Guantes Podcast, Masvidal shared the deeply personal reasons behind his decision, highlighting his opposition to the regime and recounting the harrowing experiences of his loved ones who fled the island.
Masvidal began by explaining that his father risked his life to reach the United States as a rafter and instilled in him from a young age the idea of not visiting Cuba until the regime changes. "My dad always told me, since I was a kid, not to go until the government changed. I always honored that. I said, okay, you literally risked your life to come here to the United States. You don't want me to spend a dime on the government there. It's clear, and I've never gone," Masvidal revealed.
The fighter recounted that one of his aunts was left mutilated after escaping Cuba by crossing a minefield in Caimanera to reach the Guantanamo Naval Base. He criticized the communist government for its long-standing rule that has devastated Cuban society, forcing many professionals to abandon their careers and some women to resort to prostitution to survive and support their families due to the economic collapse.
Masvidal expressed regret that some Americans, drawn by the low prices in regime-controlled hotels, ignore the crisis and choose to visit. "That's why all these people here, from the United States, want to go to Cuba. They love it because everything is so cheap, because the economy is shattered," he lamented.
The Cuban-American fighter explained how the powerful family stories have shaped his view of his father's homeland. In closing, he sent a message to figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, pleading for assistance for the Cuban people. "Send Starlink, at least Wi-Fi, something over there. Those people suffer daily," he urged.
Masvidal not only voiced his strong criticism of the Cuban regime but also showed his solidarity with a population enduring the economic crisis and the oppression of communism.
Understanding Jorge Masvidal's Stance on Cuba
What are Jorge Masvidal's reasons for not visiting Cuba?
Jorge Masvidal chooses not to visit Cuba due to his opposition to the communist regime and his father's experiences as a rafter who risked his life to escape to the United States. He respects his father's wishes not to support the Cuban government in any way.
How did Jorge Masvidal's family influence his view on Cuba?
Masvidal's perspective is deeply influenced by his family's traumatic experiences, such as his aunt's injury while fleeing Cuba and his father's life-threatening journey to the United States. These stories have shaped his critical view of the Cuban regime.
What message did Jorge Masvidal send to public figures regarding Cuba?
Jorge Masvidal called on figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk to provide aid to the Cuban people, specifically requesting technology like Starlink to improve internet access and help alleviate some of the daily struggles faced by Cubans.