Jorge Masvidal Eyes UFC Return as Zuffa Boxing and Power Slap Enter the Picture
Jorge Masvidal has been away from the Octagon since his 2023 decision loss to Gilbert Burns, but the former BMF champion may not be done with the UFC just yet.
While he willingly admits that the doors to the UFC have remained open for Jorge Masvidal, there’s a catch: it’s not just the MMA door that’s open.
UFC Isn’t Jorge Masvidal’s Only Route Back to Combat Sports
Speaking about his potential return, Jorge Masvidal revealed that recent discussions with the UFC have been encouraging, hinting that a comeback could be on the cards.
“I’m at a good place,” Masvidal said. “I’ve been talking to UFC, had some great conversations. You know, I can’t say much more, but we had some really good conversations, and I think there’ll be some news as to what they’re going to let me do, where they’re going to let me do it, and to who, very soon. "
Masvidal’s MMA retirement proved short-lived after his fourth consecutive loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. The Miami native returned to combat sports in 2024 for a boxing clash against Nate Diaz, but another defeat followed despite his enthusiasm.
He later held discussions with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell about a potential Octagon comeback, but nothing materialised. However, the UFC isn’t the only door that appears to be open for him, as Zuffa could also be an option.
“You know, because it might not be MMA, but still UFC, you know, still Zuffa, still all that, or it might be UFC. I don’t know. I had some options on the table, and we’re going to exercise them. So we’re going to see what comes out the best.”
Could Jorge Masvidal Move to Power Slap?
That’s not all. When asked about making a move to Power Slap, ‘Gamebred’ didn’t hesitate to play along, even if the suggestion was made in jest.
“Just about, you know. I’ve been dying,” Masvidal added. “Right after I throw the first hit, I go like this. I go, ‘Oh, he’s still standing. Look, you won.”
Masvidal appears to have little appetite for Power Slap, arguing that years of martial arts training make it difficult to accept another man slapping him. However, former UFC stars Chris Barnett and Paige VanZant have already embraced Dana White’s controversial venture.
While the Power Slap door is open, Masvidal would prefer to return to MMA, with a few matchups in mind, particularly a showdown against Leon Edwards.
“Leon’s definitely one of the guys that I want,” Masvidal said. “Leon’s definitely higher priority. He’s got the green light on.”
While Masvidal might call out multiple opponents, the only thing that would confirm his UFC return is an announcement from the head honcho himself, and that is yet to come. That said, a Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal rematch could sell well for the promotion, but will Dana White give it the green light? That remains to be seen.
