Jorge Masvidal Says UFC Return Talks Are Looking Good
The 41-year-old says he's been in talks with the UFC and news could come soon.
Jorge Masvidal hasn't fought in the UFC since 2023, but if you ask him, that's about to change.
The fan-favorite welterweight told Home of Fight that negotiations with the UFC about a comeback are moving in the right direction. "Things are looking good," Masvidal said. "There might be some news sooner than later," per Heavy.
Masvidal, now 41, said he trains often and still loves the sport. "It's the funnest roller coaster I've ever been a part of," he said. He added that he's not coming back for the money. He wants the right opponent, the right event, and to be in peak shape.
"I don't need to fight," Masvidal said. But he made clear the desire is still there: "I do wanna fight."
After leaving the UFC, Masvidal ventured into boxing, with the promotion granting him permission to compete outside the organization. Now it appears the two sides are in talks about bringing him back to the Octagon.
The most logical opponent, per Heavy, would be Leon Edwards, Masvidal's longtime rival and the former UFC welterweight champion. Edwards is also currently unbooked, which could make the timeline work for a 2027 return.
Masvidal was one of the UFC's biggest draws during his peak, headlining pay-per-views and winning the BMF title in 2019 with a flying knee knockout of Nate Diaz that remains one of the most replayed finishes in UFC history.
I'll believe it when I see the bout agreement, but I'd be lying if I said this doesn't get me a little fired up. Masvidal is 41 and coming off a long layoff, so nobody's expecting the same guy who baptized Ben Askren. But Gamebred in the right fight, on the right card? That still moves the needle.
The Edwards matchup makes too much sense. Those two have unfinished business going back to the backstage incident in London, and Edwards needs a big name after dropping the belt. If the UFC can get this done in early 2027, it's a main event in any arena.
Here's the thing, though. Masvidal saying money isn't the motivation is nice, but let's be real: the UFC has to make it worth his while or he stays retired. He's got options outside the cage. This only happens if both sides see dollar signs, and I think they do.
