Jorge Masvidal is eager to resolve his issues with Leon Edwards in the octagon.
Earlier this month, Edwards experienced his first defeat by finish in his career when Sean Brady submitted him at UFC London. This marked Edwards` second consecutive loss, significantly impacting his chances for a title shot in the near future. Many fans, and Masvidal himself, are hoping to finally see a fight between Edwards and Masvidal.
“We are figuring out the details for my next fight,” Masvidal mentioned on Submission Radio when asked about not fighting at UFC 314 in Miami. “I am planning to return, and we will make it happen. Ideally, I want a fight like the one with Leon, that`s the kind of matchup that interests me.”
The rivalry between Masvidal and Edwards began at a UFC London event in 2019. Edwards won against Gunnar Nelson by split decision in the co-main event, and Masvidal knocked out Darren Till in the main event. Following the event, a backstage confrontation occurred where Masvidal punched Edwards. Masvidal indicates he is ready to repeat that confrontation in a fight.
“I would beat him up tomorrow,” Masvidal stated when questioned about when he might return to fighting. “He has always known this from the very beginning. From the first time he disrespected me – bam, bam, bam! He knows what I`m capable of. Don`t mess with me. I can come straight off the couch and defeat you. So, Leon, you should watch what you say.”
“Right now, I’m just relaxing. Nothing is certain yet. And I am 40 years old. Everything needs to be perfect for my return. You all need to convince me, I need to see the deal, and so on, because I did somewhat retire, you know? But if the conditions are right and they offer me, ‘We’re setting up the Leon fight,’ then let`s do it! I am ready.”
Masvidal retired from MMA in 2023 and then participated in a boxing match with Nate Diaz in July 2024. Earlier this year, Masvidal announced his plans to come out of retirement and return to the UFC, but no fight has been scheduled for “Gamebred” yet. Despite his time away and coming off a four-fight losing streak in the UFC, Masvidal is very confident he will deliver an exciting performance for the fans and decisively defeat Edwards when they eventually fight.
“In every aspect,” Masvidal responded when asked how he would defeat Edwards. “I am certain he cannot out-wrestle me for five rounds. So, I am not concerned about takedowns. And in striking, he is weaker than me. Comparing our past opponents and our performances against them, I’ve finished many fighters that he went to decision with, except for [Kamaru] Usman. The way he absorbs hits compared to me, he is simply more fragile. Get into the cage with me, and I will prove just how much more fragile he is compared to me.”
