Jorge Masvidal Teases "Big News" on UFC Return, Eyes Grudge Match with Leon Edwards

It looks like "Gamebred" might not be done with the Octagon just yet. Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal is teasing a potential return to the UFC, and he already has a specific target in mind to settle some long-standing business.

During a recent interview, Masvidal revealed that he has been actively negotiating with UFC management regarding an Octagon comeback. The 39-year-old Miami native retired from mixed martial arts in April 2023 following a decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, bringing a close to a storied 52-fight professional career. However, negotiations for a high-profile return appear to be gaining serious momentum behind the scenes.

"I've been talking to UFC, could be this year, could be early next year," Masvidal shared. "We were talking for a little bit and the numbers are getting close and closer and better and better, so might be some big news coming soon."

Settling the Three-Piece and a Soda Grudge

If Masvidal does step back into the cage, his primary goal is to finally square off against former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. The bad blood between the two dates back to March 2019 at UFC Fight Night in London. After Masvidal knocked out Darren Till in the main event, an infamous backstage brawl erupted between him and Edwards, coining Masvidal's famous "three-piece and a soda" phrase.

Despite years of trash talk and a scheduled bout at UFC 269 in 2021 that fell through due to a Masvidal injury, the two fan favorites never actually settled their dispute inside the Octagon.

"Leon is definitely a prospect, Leon is definitely somebody that I would like to get back in and just close that chapter off," Masvidal added.

While Edwards has since captured and defended the 170-pound crown, Masvidal remains focused on closing the door on one of the most famous rivalries. Masvidal, who holds 35 professional MMA wins and the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history at five seconds, clearly feels he has one more big run left in him. If the financial terms align as hinted, UFC fans may get to witness one of the sport's grittiest grudges finally reach its conclusion.