Jorge Masvidal calls out Leon Edwards as UFC comeback talks progress

The former BMF champion has been away from MMA competition since 2023, but has revealed that talks are ongoing over a possible UFC comeback.

And should Masvidal return, he has unfinished business with one former welterweight world champion in particular.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Masvidal revealed that Edwards is among the opponents he would be interested in facing as he looks to finally settle a rivalry stretching back more than seven years.

Jorge Masvidal targets Leon Edwards fight

Masvidal and Edwards have never fought professionally, but their rivalry has become one of the most recognisable in modern UFC history.

It dates back to UFC London in March 2019, when the pair were involved in a backstage altercation following their respective fights at The O2.

Masvidal had just produced a second-round knockout of Darren Till in the main event, while Edwards had defeated Gunnar Nelson earlier that evening.

Their paths crossed backstage afterwards, resulting in a confrontation that quickly became synonymous with Masvidal's rise to UFC stardom.

A fight appeared finally set to settle the rivalry two years later when Masvidal and Edwards were booked to meet at UFC 269 in December 2021.

It never happened.

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Masvidal was forced to withdraw through injury and the fight was not rearranged, leaving one of the welterweight division's biggest grudges unresolved.

Now, more than seven years after their original confrontation, Masvidal wants another opportunity to settle the score.

"Leon is definitely somebody that I would like to get back in [with] and just close that chapter out," Masvidal told MMA Junkie.

Could Jorge Masvidal return to the UFC?

An Edwards fight has not been agreed, but Masvidal says discussions surrounding his UFC comeback are moving in the right direction.

The 41-year-old retired from MMA following his defeat to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, bringing an end to a UFC career which included two welterweight title challenges and his record-breaking five-second knockout of Ben Askren.

However, retirement may not prove permanent.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Masvidal revealed he has been in discussions with the UFC and suggested a return could happen before the end of 2026 or in early 2027.

The former BMF champion indicated that the two sides are moving closer in negotiations, although the right opponent and financial agreement still need to be found before anything can be finalised.

That means Masvidal vs. Edwards remains a potential matchup rather than a confirmed fight.

Edwards' career has also changed dramatically since the pair were originally scheduled to meet.

The Briton went on to become UFC welterweight champion with his memorable knockout of Kamaru Usman in 2022, before successfully defending the title against Usman and Colby Covington.

A Masvidal comeback could now finally provide an opportunity to resolve a rivalry that began years before either man reached some of the defining moments of his career.

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How to watch Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA on DAZN

While fans wait to discover whether Masvidal will return to the UFC and finally settle his rivalry with Edwards, they can watch his own combat sports promotion live on DAZN.

Gamebred FC has a new global home on DAZN, bringing Masvidal's distinctive take on mixed martial arts to fight fans around the world.

The promotion combines bare-knuckle fighting with the wider ruleset of MMA. Competitors fight without gloves but can still use techniques including kicks, takedowns, grappling and submissions.

Four Gamebred events are scheduled across the remainder of 2026, beginning on September 12 before further shows on October 2, October 30 and December 12.

The upcoming schedule will also feature Gamebred's $500,000 World Grand Prix tournaments, with heavyweight and lightweight fighters competing for huge prizes.

Fans can watch Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA live on DAZN, with upcoming events available through the DAZN platform.

To find the action, open DAZN and search "Gamebred" to discover upcoming events and available coverage.

Watch Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA live on DAZN.