Veteran UFC star Jorge Masvidal has announced his intention to return to the Octagon, and he’s set his sights on one specific opponent: welterweight champion Leon Edwards.Masvidal, one of the most well-known names in mixed martial arts, last fought in 2023, losing a decision to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in Miami. His career record stands at 35 wins (16 by knockout and 2 by submission) and 17 losses.
Though he hasn’t fought in 18 months, the 39-year-old confirmed his comeback plans with GIVEMESPORT, explaining he intends to fight again in 2025.
He has signed with renowned manager Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, which has represented fighters like former pound-for-pound champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Before returning to the UFC, Masvidal will promote a Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event on November 15 in Biloxi, Mississippi, featuring a bantamweight championship bout between Randy Costa and Brandon Davis. The event will be broadcast live on the Gamebred official YouTube channel.
Once that event is complete, Masvidal will shift his focus to his own return, which he hopes will involve Edwards, the top-ranked welterweight in the world.
The two fighters have a well-documented history; in 2019, they were involved in a backstage altercation that Masvidal famously described as delivering a “two-piece and a soda” to Edwards.
Masvidal sees the potential fight as an opportunity to prove himself against the best in the sport. “I want to fight the world’s best. I always have,” he said. “Let’s roll the dice for the No.1 guy in the world. Maybe I shock the world.”
Masvidal called on Edwards to accept the challenge, pointing out that neither fighter currently has a bout scheduled. “Leon is scared of me, man,” he said. “Here I am, calling out his name. You ain’t got a fight. I ain’t got a fight. Let’s make it happen.”