Masvidal Eyes Edwards Fight; No Bout Booked
Jorge Masvidal said in September 2024 that he had spoken with the UFC about a possible return and wanted to fight Leon Edwards. Their rivalry included a 2019 backstage altercation in London and a scheduled UFC 269 bout that was canceled after Masvidal withdrew with an injury. The matchup was never booked. Masvidal retired from MMA after losing to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, then continued competing in boxing, including a July 2024 bout with Nate Diaz.
The 2024 callout
Masvidal told reporters he was interested in returning and described Edwards as a preferred opponent. At that point, the comments were a callout and an expression of interest, not a confirmed UFC booking. Edwards was then the former welterweight champion, while Masvidal had not fought in MMA since his loss to Burns.
Why the rivalry persisted
The two fighters had a public history dating to UFC Fight Night in London in March 2019, where Masvidal struck Edwards backstage after a verbal exchange. The moment became known as the “three-piece and a soda” incident. The UFC later scheduled them to meet at UFC 269 in December 2021, but Masvidal withdrew because of an injury and the fight was canceled.
A return remained uncertain
In 2026, Masvidal again discussed a possible UFC comeback and named Edwards as an opponent he wanted. Recent reports described ongoing talks but no agreed fight, date or venue. The UFC athlete profile continued to list Masvidal as retired when checked. His interest is real and newsworthy, but it should not be confused with a completed contract negotiation or an announced bout.
The status of the matchup
Masvidal’s comments revived a rivalry that was booked for UFC 269 in December 2021 before Masvidal withdrew with an injury. His UFC record, the canceled 2021 booking and the 2024 callout are documented events. As of the latest reporting, a fight with Edwards remained a possibility discussed by Masvidal rather than a matchup confirmed by the promotion.
Sources
- MMA Junkie interview on UFC talks and Edwards callout
- UFC athlete profile
- UFC
- fighters
- Bleacher Report on Masvidal’s return interest
- ESPN on Masvidal and Edwards
Tags: MMA
