Jorge Masvidal Plans UFC Return: Leon Edwards Fight Could Expedite Comeback
Jorge Masvidal has his eyes firmly set on a return to competitive mixed martial arts, and recent developments suggest the path forward is becoming clearer. Following confirmation from UFC leadership that negotiations between the organization and Masvidal are actively underway, the former title contender has outlined his vision for a comeback that could reshape the welterweight division. However, his return remains entangled with ongoing legal matters and one particularly compelling matchup that could accelerate his entrance back into the octagon.
The Covington Lawsuit: A Rivalry That Won't Die
From Teammates to Courtroom Adversaries
The relationship between Masvidal and Colby Covington represents one of mixed martial arts' most enduring grudges. Once training partners at American Top Team, the two fighters have become adversaries both inside and outside the cage. The catalyst for their current legal standoff traces back to a 2022 incident outside a Miami Beach restaurant, which occurred days after their competitive bout. Masvidal subsequently entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor battery regarding this altercation, resolving the criminal case.
Now, Covington has initiated civil litigation seeking damages for the encounter. The lawsuit claims significant harm, including bodily injury, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and psychological distress. This legal action underscores how completely personal animosity between elite fighters can escalate beyond the sport itself, creating complications for all parties involved.
Verbal Sparring and Lingering Tension
When addressing the lawsuit, Masvidal has been characteristically blunt, describing Covington using particularly colorful language while maintaining that Covington represents an exceptional case in his fighting career. Unlike other opponents with whom he has maintained professional relationships post-retirement, Masvidal views Covington as uniquely antagonistic. This distinction highlights how unresolved personal conflicts can linger long after the final bell rings, particularly when both fighters remain involved in negotiations with their organization.
Negotiating with the UFC: The Path to Agreement
Deal-Making Complexities
Dana White publicly confirmed at UFC 327 that active negotiations continue between the promotion and Masvidal regarding his return. The fighter himself has acknowledged the ongoing discussions while offering insight into why reaching an agreement with the UFC requires patience and persistence. Masvidal's comments about having cleaning bills and other financial disputes to resolve indicate that negotiations extend beyond fight compensation into broader business matters.
From Masvidal's perspective, the UFC consistently demands fighters extract maximum value through arduous negotiation processes. He has emphasized his commitment to ultimately reaching an agreement while acknowledging that the current terms remain less favorable than his preferences. The timeline remains undefined, with no concrete deal finalized despite months of dialogue.
Fight Preparation and Weight Flexibility
Masvidal has demonstrated flexibility regarding both weight class and preparation timeline. He has expressed willingness to compete at middleweight or welterweight, though he ideally seeks four to five months of training camp before his return. This realistic assessment stems from his inactivity since his last professional competition, which concluded in 2023. The physical and mental demands of returning to elite-level competition require adequate preparation, a factor Masvidal clearly understands.
The Leon Edwards Scenario: Instant Motivation
A Backstage Altercation Becomes Future Opportunity
The catalyst that could immediately expedite Masvidal's comeback involves fellow welterweight Leon Edwards. The two fighters share a contentious history stemming from a backstage confrontation at UFC London, where both were competing on the same card as main and co-main event attractions. During Edwards' post-fight interview, the two began exchanging words, which quickly escalated into physical contact. Masvidal delivered several punches before security intervened, creating an unresolved tension that has persisted through both fighters' subsequent career developments.
What makes this matchup particularly significant is Masvidal's willingness to abandon his preferred preparation timeline entirely. In his own words, he would