Jorge Masvidal is eager to resolve his conflict with Leon Edwards inside the octagon.
Earlier this month, Edwards experienced his first defeat by finish when Sean Brady submitted him at UFC London`s main event. This marked Edwards` second consecutive loss, significantly impacting the former welterweight champion`s chances for a title shot in the near future. Many fans, including Masvidal, are hoping to see a fight between Edwards and Masvidal.
“We are planning our next move,” Masvidal mentioned on Submission Radio when questioned about his absence from UFC 314 in Miami. “We are definitely making a comeback and aiming for a suitable fight. A matchup with someone like Leon is exactly what we are looking for.”
The animosity between Masvidal and Edwards began at a UFC London event in 2019. Edwards secured a split decision victory against Gunnar Nelson in the co-main event, while Masvidal achieved a knockout against Darren Till in the main event. Following the event, a backstage confrontation occurred where Masvidal struck Edwards. Masvidal indicates he is ready for a rematch at any time.
“I can defeat him even tomorrow,” Masvidal stated regarding his return timeline. “He has always known since our first encounter, when he crossed a line with me – pop, pop, pop, pop, pow! He`s aware. Don`t provoke me. I`m ready to fight you even without training camp. So, Leon, be careful what you say.”
“Currently, I am relaxed. Nothing is guaranteed. And considering I am 40 years old, everything needs to be just right. I need to be convinced, and everything needs to align because I had considered retirement, you know? But if the conditions are right, and they propose, ‘We are arranging the Leon fight,’ then let`s do it! I am prepared.”
Masvidal retired from MMA in 2023 and subsequently participated in a boxing match against Nate Diaz in July 2024. Earlier this year, Masvidal announced his intention to return to the UFC, but no fight has been scheduled for “Gamebred” yet. Despite his time away and a four-fight losing streak at the end of his UFC tenure, Masvidal remains highly confident in his ability to entertain fans and give Edwards a more significant beating than just a “three-piece and soda” when they eventually fight.
“Absolutely, in every aspect,” Masvidal affirmed when asked about how he would defeat Edwards. “I am certain he cannot out-wrestle me for five rounds, so takedowns are not a concern. And in striking exchanges, he is more vulnerable than I am. Comparing our performances against common opponents, aside from Kamaru Usman, I have finished many fighters that he went to decision with. The way he absorbs strikes compared to me, he is simply more fragile. Let`s get into the cage, and I will demonstrate just how much more fragile he is compared to me.”
