Jorge Masvidal remains confident that a UFC return will materialize despite what’s taking so long.
Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) recently revealed that the UFC blocked him from competing on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on Netflix because they had other plans for him. The former BMF champion retired after dropping his fourth straight fight to Gilbert Burns in April 2023 but is gearing toward a comeback in the octagon.
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During the UFC 327 post-fight news conference, Dana White said no deal has been finalized with Masvidal just yet, but they’re talking.
“We’re talking,” Masvidal confirmed to UFC on Paramount+. “We’re definitely talking. We’ve been talking for a minute, you know. We just haven’t landed on that thing. You guys know how the UFC is. I love them to death, but man, they make you work for every single thing, and it’s always like it’s not quite what you want it to be a lot of times, so we’re working. We’re going to get something done, though.”
Masvidal’s ideal opponent remains rival Leon Edwards, whom he attacked backstage during a UFC event in London more than seven years ago.
“I think the more time they give me to prepare the better, obviously,” Masvidal said. “So a good four months, five months from here would be perfect. Middleweight, welterweight, I will take a fight at welterweight if it’s the right names that I’m asking. There’s a name or two I’m asking. If it’s those guys, I’ll just get back on that running diet. Look, if they give me the Leon fight, I’ll get to 170 by tomorrow, quick.
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“I would like that fight, you know. He doesn’t have anything on the schedule. Now it’s the whole buffet I’m going to hit this motherf*cker with. I would love it. He had said he wouldn’t fight me because I had like three or four losses in a row. I think he’s got four losses in a row, so what’s the holdup? It’s low-hanging fruit for the UFC. Just give me what I’m asking for, and we’re good to go.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jorge Masvidal opens up on UFC playing hardball about return
