UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal is targeting a return to the UFC next year. The former BMF champion previously retired following a decision loss to Gilbert Burns in 2023. Now, after a narrow decision loss to Nate Diaz in a boxing match, Dana White and the UFC appear braced for the Miami native’s comeback.
Jorge Masvidal recently sat down to have a conversation with Bo Nickal on the Nickal & Dimes podcast. During their discussion, ‘Gamebred’ went vocal about wanting to return to his roots in MMA for the next fight. The 39-year-old is eager to re-enter the UFC octagon with plans to “f*ck somebody up,” as he bluntly put it during the podcast.
Next year, March, I’m in. Next year, March, if they go to Miami I’m gonna f**k somebody up in Miami.
Jorge Masvidal via Nickal & Dimes podcast
Masvidal hopes to fight on a Miami card. However, no official confirmation from the UFC yet exists about hosting an event in the city. The possibility of Masvidal headlining a card in Miami could draw significant attention, but he will likely co-main the event as he doesn’t hold any championship belt. Masvidal has secured high-profile victories against opponents like Ben Askren, Darren Till, and Nate Diaz.
Since defeating Diaz in MMA, Masvidal has not won an MMA fight. The Miami native expressed a desire to face a high-profile opponent in his comeback. A grudge match against Leon Edwards appears to be the most lucrative option. Ideally, it would be one that would position him back in the mix for a title shot. However, UFC CEO Dana White has cast doubt on the possibility of a Masvidal return.
Dana White speaks on Jorge Masvidal returning to the UFC
UFC CEO Dana White was recently asked about the chances of Jorge Masvidal or Tyron Woodley coming out of retirement. Woodley has not competed in MMA since 2021, whereas Masvidal still has a UFC contract. Masvidal made it clear that he wants to return and destroy someone inside the octagon.
Masvidal went out on a four-consecutive losing streak in the promotion. After his last fight, The former BMF champion mentioned that even if he had won, he would have retired. That is because he no longer felt he was performing at his peak. Masvidal did not want to continue without being at his best. With recent developments, the UFC boss had a negative reaction to the news.
Probably not.
Dana White at DWCS post fight press conference
When Jorge Masvidal announced his retirement after UFC 287, Dana White fully supported the decision. The UFC CEO stated that once a fighter starts contemplating retirement, it is usually time to step away. He emphasized that the Miami native had already made much money and had multiple ventures outside the UFC. However, only time will tell if the UFC boss grants Masvidal his promotional return.
