Masvidal Talked About a Return; No UFC Bout Was Booked
Jorge Masvidal discussed a possible UFC return in 2025 and again in March 2026, but no comeback bout had been booked as of October 29, 2026. The UFC’s athlete profile still lists him as retired, and his last UFC fight remains his April 2023 loss to Gilbert Burns.
Masvidal, who retired from MMA in April 2023 following a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, has spent the past two years focusing on his bare-knuckle boxing promotion and other ventures. Now, at 40 years old, he is ready to make his mark once again in the welterweight division.
While his opponent for the Miami event has yet to be revealed, Masvidal’s return promises to shake up the division. Known for his record-setting five-second knockout of Ben Askren and his victory over Nate Diaz for the symbolic “BMF” belt, Masvidal’s star power and fighting style have made him one of the most popular figures in the sport.
The timing of Masvidal’s comeback is particularly intriguing, as the welterweight division has undergone significant changes during his absence. With Belal Muhammad currently holding the championship and a new crop of contenders emerging, Masvidal’s return adds an exciting wild card to the mix.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of Masvidal’s opponent, as speculation swirls about potential matchups that could reignite old rivalries or create new ones. Regardless of who he faces, Masvidal’s return to the UFC is poised to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.
Sources: UFC.com, ESPN.com, MMAFighting.com
