After his loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 last year, Jorge Masvidal appeared to take his curtain call in MMA, retiring from competition after a lengthy career that featured a sudden rise to superstardom in 2019.
But it now seems that Masvidal truly isn't done with the sport.
In a recent interview with ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Masvidal revealed that he is planning to return to the UFC, reiterating plans that he made during the time of his boxing match with Nate Diaz a couple of months ago.
Masvidal dropped a decision to Diaz in that fight, which left a bad taste in his mouth. He added that he couldn't stay away from the fight game, and he couldn't get ready for more training and fights without venturing back into MMA.
I definitely did (retire) from sports and all martial arts," Masvidal said. "I retired for about...45 to 60 days. And then it just hit me. I was like, I'm not retired. I can't. I started training, I started doing something, and this boxing opportunity fell in my lap; great opportunity, I couldn't pass it up.
But even when I was doing boxing, even though I loved it, it just doesn't compare to MMA. I just couldn't picture myself getting ready for more fights and not being in MMA.
Jorge Masvidal Plans UFC Return, Wants To Face Leon Edwards
Masvidal informed the UFC of his intention to return last month. He does not need a new contract, as he retired with two fights remaining on his UFC deal at the time of his retirement.
Since Masvidal did a formal retirement, however, he will need to enter the UFC's anti-doping program for a minimum of six months before making an official return to the Octagon. Those rights can be waived by the promotion if they deem necessary.
There is one name on Masvidal's mind for a return fight: Leon Edwards. The two have had bad blood spanning back to UFC Fight Night London in 2019, an event headlined by Masvidal knocking out Darren Till and Edwards defeating Gunnar Nelson.
"Gamebred" and "Rocky," live in an ESPN interview, got into an altercation that saw Masvidal land his infamous "three piece and a soda" on Edwards.
Give me f*cking Leon Edwards, bro," Masvidal said. "Is he an up-and-coming guy? What would you call him? A veteran? Ex-champion? Whatever you call that mother******, give me that. Let's go. We've got a built-in history. (The UFC) has got the whole promo.
He's 0-1 against me. Let's go. Let's do the fight at the end of the year, next year. That's it. Let's get it done. And then, after I knock his ass out, guess what? They've got to give me the title shot.
But Masvidal admitted the UFC isn't so sure of the idea.
"Of course, I did (asked to fight Edwards in his return). Man, the first thing I told his (Hunter Campbell's) a**. Yeah, they shut it down," Masvidal said. "Said they won’t do that. Okay, we’ll see who’s next.
"I heard he doesn't want to fight," Masvidal continued. "Who knows [why]? Maybe because I beat the f*** out of that guy, almost knocked him out."
Masvidal said he would only fight an up-and-comer if he feels it's the right kind of fighter.