Jorge Masvidal mentioned Friday he intends to renew his profession in combined martial arts and already has mentioned his pending return with the UFC.
Masvidal (35-17) introduced his retirement from MMA in April 2023, following a loss to Gilbert Burns in his hometown of Miami. The 39-year-old went on to professionally field Nate Diaz in July, dropping an in depth majority determination.
Masvidal mentioned he’s grateful for that have, however is now set on returning to the game he competed in for 20 years.
“I positively did [retire] from sports activities and all martial arts for about 45 to 60 days,” Masvidal instructed ESPN. “After which it simply hit me. I used to be like, I am not retired. I am unable to. I began doing a little boxing and that chance fell in my lap, nice alternative, I could not move it up. However even after I was doing boxing, regardless that I liked it, it simply does not evaluate to MMA.”
Masvidal instructed ESPN he contacted the UFC final month to precise his want to return. He’s nonetheless underneath contract and doesn’t require a brand new deal. Since he did retire, he possible will must be within the UFC’s drug testing program for no less than 180 days earlier than competitors, though the UFC reserves the appropriate to waive that requirement if it deems acceptable. Masvidal mentioned he’ll meet any necessities crucial and is pleased with his lengthy historical past as a clear athlete.
By way of a possible opponent for his comeback, Masvidal mentioned he would love to focus on former welterweight champion Leon Edwards (22-4), whom he received right into a backstage altercation with in 2019.
“Give me f—ing Leon Edwards, bro,” Masvidal mentioned. “What would you name him? A veteran? Ex-champion? No matter you name that motherf—er, give me that. We have a built-in historical past. [The UFC] has received the entire promo. Let’s do the struggle on the finish of the yr, subsequent yr. That is it. Let’s get it performed. After which, after I knock his ass out, guess what? They have to offer me the title shot.”
Edwards, who misplaced his title to Belal Muhammad in July, doesn’t presently have a struggle booked.
If not Edwards, Masvidal talked about Michael Chandler as a possible opponent. He mentioned he can be open to anybody the UFC comes with, though he does really feel that many youthful, up-and-comers would want to do extra to justify a matchup towards him.
Masvidal exited the game on a 4 struggle skid, however two of these have been to then-champion Kamaru Usman and one other was to a former interim champion in Colby Covington.
“I solely got down to win championships, loads of you recognize,” Masvidal mentioned. “Conditions went by way of my thoughts [in retirement] — had I performed this the appropriate approach or that the appropriate approach. So, I wasn’t one hundred pc blissful. That is why, with this run, it is simply I wish to make all the pieces as proper as I presumably can.”