Jorge Masvidal Says His UFC Return Is Getting Closer — And He Wants Leon Edwards

Seven years after their infamous backstage confrontation, Jorge Masvidal says a UFC comeback could finally give him the chance to settle his unfinished business with Leon Edwards.

Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal may not be finished with the UFC after all.

The former BMF champion has revealed that negotiations with the UFC are progressing, and he believes a return could happen later this year or in early 2027.

But Masvidal isn't simply waiting for the UFC to find him an opponent.

He already knows exactly who he wants.

Leon Edwards.

And if the UFC makes the fight, one of the most infamous rivalries of the modern welterweight era could finally be settled inside the Octagon.

“The Numbers Are Getting Closer”

Masvidal has been talking about a UFC comeback for months, but his latest update sounds considerably more serious.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Masvidal said he has been in talks with the UFC and that negotiations are moving in the right direction.

He suggested the financial numbers are getting closer to what he wants and hinted that “big news” could be coming.

Masvidal also made it clear that he is waiting for the right opponent and the right financial package before committing to a return.

In other words, this isn't an officially booked fight yet.

But it is considerably more than a fighter simply saying he wants to come back.

Masvidal says discussions are actively happening.

And he has already put a name at the top of his list.

The Name: Leon Edwards

When asked about potential opponents, Masvidal didn't hesitate.

Leon Edwards.

Masvidal said Edwards is someone he would like to fight so he can finally “close that chapter out.”

That chapter began all the way back in 2019.

And UFC fans certainly haven't forgotten it.

The “Three-Piece and a Soda” Incident

Masvidal and Edwards were both competing at UFC London in March 2019.

After Masvidal defeated Darren Till, Edwards approached him backstage while Masvidal was giving an interview.

The interaction quickly became heated.

Masvidal walked toward Edwards and threw a combination of punches, leaving Edwards with a cut underneath his eye.

The incident immediately went viral.

Masvidal later famously described what happened as giving Edwards a “three-piece with a soda.”

The phrase became one of the most memorable pieces of MMA trash talk of that era.

But there was one major problem:

They never actually fought each other.

The UFC eventually booked Masvidal vs. Edwards for UFC 269 in 2021, but Masvidal withdrew because of injury.

The fight disappeared—and the rivalry remained unresolved.

Now, more than seven years after the original incident, Masvidal wants another chance.

Masvidal Hasn't Fought in the UFC Since 2023

There is, however, a huge question surrounding the potential comeback.

Masvidal hasn't competed in MMA since April 2023, when he lost a unanimous decision to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287.

That defeat was his fourth consecutive loss, and Masvidal announced his retirement from MMA afterward.

His UFC record currently stands at 35-17, with 16 knockout victories.

He also owns one of the most famous knockouts in UFC history.

At UFC 239 in 2019, Masvidal stopped Ben Askren with a flying knee in just five seconds, establishing what remains the fastest knockout in UFC history.

But the fighter returning now would be considerably older than the Masvidal who became one of the UFC's biggest stars.

Masvidal is now 41.

And that raises an obvious question.

Can “Gamebred” still compete at the highest level?

Leon Edwards Is Also Trying to Rebuild

Interestingly, Edwards isn't exactly entering this potential fight from the strongest point of his career either.

The former UFC welterweight champion has suffered three consecutive defeats.

He lost his title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 before being submitted by Sean Brady and subsequently knocked out by Carlos Prates.

The Prates loss came at UFC 322, where Edwards was stopped by a left hand at 1:28 of the second round.

That makes a Masvidal fight considerably more interesting.

Neither fighter is currently champion.

Neither is coming off a victory.

And both have something to prove.

Why the UFC Could Actually Like This Fight

From a sporting perspective, there are plenty of questions about whether this is the fight the welterweight division needs.

But from a business perspective?

It's easy to understand the appeal.

The UFC wouldn't have to manufacture a rivalry.

The history is already there.

The infamous backstage confrontation is still remembered by fans.

The original fight was booked and canceled.

And now, years later, both fighters are at a stage of their careers where a high-profile grudge match could make sense.

Masvidal has also made it clear that he wants the right opponent and the right financial deal.

So if the UFC believes the numbers work, Masvidal vs. Edwards could be a very marketable comeback fight.

But Don't Call It Official Yet

This is important.

Masvidal vs. Edwards has not been officially booked.

Masvidal has said negotiations with the UFC are progressing, and he has identified Edwards as a preferred opponent.

That's all we know for certain right now.

The UFC still has to agree to the matchup, finalize the financial terms and determine when and where Masvidal would return.

Masvidal himself suggested that the comeback could happen toward the end of 2026 or in early 2027.

So fans shouldn't treat this as a confirmed fight announcement.

But the possibility is certainly becoming more real.

Could We Finally Get the “Three-Piece” Rematch?

This is what makes the story so intriguing.

Masvidal and Edwards have spent years going down completely different paths.

Edwards became UFC champion.

Masvidal became one of the biggest stars in the sport and won the inaugural BMF title.

Both experienced major highs.

Both eventually hit difficult stretches.

And despite all of that, they never got to settle their personal rivalry in the cage.

Now Masvidal is saying the UFC negotiations are getting closer—and he's specifically naming Edwards.

Seven years after the backstage fight, the timing might finally be right.

The “three-piece and a soda” happened in 2019.

The UFC fight never happened.

But if Masvidal gets his way, the final chapter could still be written inside the Octagon.

And this time, there won't be any backstage hallway for either man to escape through.