Jorge Masvidal Prepares For UFC Return With Leon Edwards Call Out

Jorge Masvidal has confirmed that he is looking to come out of retirement and return to the UFC, as ‘Gamebred’ calls out Leon Edwards for a potential bout.

The 49-year-old announced his retirement from MMA after losing to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 and brought an end to a career that spanned over several years.

Masvidal’s status exploded in 2019, securing the fastest knockout in UFC history over Ben Askren and knocking out Darren Till in England.

However, his retirement looks like it’s coming to an abrupt end, as Gamebred revealed on Brett Okamoto’s ESPN show that he is hoping to make a comeback in the UFC .

During his time away from the UFC cage, Masvidal took on another MMA star in the boxing ring, losing to Nate Diaz via decision.

He said (Via ESPN):  “I definitely did (retire) from sports and all martial arts. I retired for about…45 to 60 days. And then it just hit me. I was like, I’m not retired. I can’t. I started training, I started doing something, and this boxing opportunity fell in my lap; great opportunity, I couldn’t pass it up.

“But even when I was doing boxing, even though I loved it, it just doesn’t compare to MMA. I just couldn’t picture myself getting ready for more fights and not being in MMA.”

👀Jorge Masvidal wants to fight Leon Edwards and believes he'll get title shot next.

"He's [Leon Edwards] 0-1 against me. What are we talking about… Let's fight later this year or next year… After I'll knock his a** out, guess what, they [UFC] will give me a title shot."

🎥… pic.twitter.com/5YXhTl2wYK

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 7, 2024

The UFC were made aware of Masvidal’s urge to get back into the cage in August and as he had two fights remaining on his deal there is no need to agree any new terms.

However, the MMA star will not be able to jump back into the Octagon, as he will need to take part in UFC’s anti-doping program for at least six months due to retiring from the sport.

Masvidal has already selected the man that he wants to fight on his return, calling out the former Welterweight champion – Leon Edwards.

The two have been involved in various spats in the past, famously getting into an altercation during an ESPN interview – as Masvidal landed the ‘three piece and a soda’ on the former champion.

Masvidal said (Via ESPN): “Give me Leon Edwards, bro. Is he an up-and-coming guy? What would you call him? A veteran? Ex-champion? Whatever you call him, give me that. Let’s go. We’ve got a built-in history. (The UFC) has got the whole promo.

“He’s 0-1 against me. Let’s go. Let’s do the fight at the end of the year, next year. That’s it. Let’s get it done. And then, after I knock (Edwards) out, guess what? They’ve got to give me the title shot.”