Jorge Masvidal calls out Leon Edwards for UFC return

Jorge Masvidal is eyeing a return to the UFC and has one name in mind: Leon Edwards. The former BMF champion is pushing for the long-awaited grudge match as his comeback bout and has made it clear that a win over Edwards could launch him back into title contention.

Masvidal targets Edwards for long-awaited grudge match

Jorge Masvidal hasn’t fought since April 8, 2023, at UFC 287, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns. The defeat marked his fourth straight loss in the UFC. Despite the setbacks, Masvidal remains one of the sport’s most recognizable names, best known for his record-setting five-second knockout of Ben Askren at UFC 239 and for capturing the inaugural BMF title by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244.

Now, at age 40, Masvidal is ready for a comeback—and he has one opponent in mind.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Masvidal called on UFC brass to book a fight against former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. The two fighters have a long-standing feud that began in 2019 and escalated into a physical altercation backstage at UFC London.

“Give me the Leon fight. And after that, I’ll fight whoever has that damn belt. Let’s go,” Masvidal said.

Masvidal vs Edwards: unfinished business from UFC London 2019

The bad blood between Masvidal and Edwards dates back to March 2019 at UFC London. After knocking out Darren Till, Masvidal was being interviewed backstage when Leon Edwards walked by and exchanged words. Masvidal responded by walking over and landing a short combination—an incident that became known as the infamous “three-piece and a soda.”

Though Masvidal has since claimed there’s “nothing personal” between them, he’s still hungry to settle the score inside the cage.

“Leon gets tired when he grapples. It showed in the fight,” Masvidal commented following Edwards’ recent loss.

Leon Edwards stumbles, Masvidal sees opportunity

Leon Edwards recently suffered a tough loss to rising contender Sean Brady at UFC London in early 2025. Brady dominated the fight with relentless wrestling, a weakness Masvidal believes he can exploit.

“I beat Leon in every way, shape, and form. He can’t wrestle me for five rounds,” Masvidal added confidently.

Masvidal views the fight not just as a grudge match but a stepping stone. According to him, a win over Edwards could justify another run at the title—especially in a division that continues to shift after Kamaru Usman’s departure and Belal Muhammad’s title win.

Is Masvidal fighting at UFC 314 in Miami?

Masvidal initially hinted at a return in April 2025, possibly at UFC 314, which is expected to take place in Miami—his hometown. However, no official matchup has been announced yet, and UFC President Dana White has remained quiet on the matter.

“If the UFC wants to make this happen, I’m ready. Let’s do it in Miami,” Masvidal said in a separate segment with The MMA Hour.

Edwards, for his part, has not publicly responded to the callout, but fans have been demanding the matchup for years. Now that both fighters are in need of a momentum shift, the timing might finally be right.

Would Masvidal vs Edwards make sense in 2025?

Though both men are coming off losses, a fight between Masvidal and Edwards would carry major promotional value. Their history, personalities, and contrasting styles make it a compelling matchup for both fans and the UFC.

• Masvidal remains a massive draw, especially in Miami
• Edwards needs a bounce-back fight to stay relevant in title talks
• The rivalry is unresolved, and the drama writes itself

Given Masvidal’s age and recent skid, this could be one of the last big fights of his career. For Edwards, it’s a chance to silence a long-time rival and re-enter the title picture.

Summary

Jorge Masvidal has made it clear: he wants to fight Leon Edwards next, and he’s ready to do it as soon as possible. With both fighters looking to rebound and plenty of history between them, the UFC may finally have a reason to make the long-awaited grudge match a reality.

Would you like to see Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards in 2025? Who do you think wins?

Source: MMAnytt.se

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