Jorge Masvidal could potentially return to the UFC despite his recent retirement and a series of losses before leaving. Masvidal is one of the sport’s biggest stars. He retired in April of last year after losing to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. However, Masvidal seems to be preparing for a dramatic return to the welterweight division, where Belal Muhammad now reigns as the champion.
Interviewer and MMA insider Jake Noecker recently sent out a tweet about Jorge Masvidal on X. He revealed his recent conversation with the former BMF champion. After a boxing bout with Nate Diaz, Masvidal appears rejuvenated and wants to return to the UFC. However, one element of Noecker’s tweet will come off as surprising. Yes, Masvidal expects to be in title contention.
Spoke with Jorge Masvidal who tells me he is still signed with the UFC and is planning to make his return to the promotion as soon as possible, like early 2025. Masvidal also believes he’ll be in immediate welterweight title contention and is excited to potentially face some of the new names at the top of the WW division.
Joe Noecker via X
For fighters like Belal Muhammad, this presents a money fight opportunity. Masvidal’s star power means he could potentially be placed in a title eliminator fight. Right now, fighters like Kamaru Usman and Shavkat Rakhmonov will likely receive a title shot. If Masvidal comes back next year and wins, the UFC might reward him with something enticing.
Spoke with Jorge Masvidal who tells me he is still signed with the UFC and is planning to make his return to the promotion as soon as possible, likely early 2025.
Masvidal also believes he’ll be in immediate welterweight title contention and is excited to potentially face some… pic.twitter.com/paJE5HpRQi
— Jake Noecker (@JakeNoeckerMMA) October 1, 2024
What makes this situation even more delicate is the UFC’s drug testing rules. Since Jorge Masvidal retired, he would normally be required to re-enter the testing pool and complete a six-month testing period before being allowed to return. However, the UFC has the discretion to waive this rule because USADA is no longer involved. As such, the UFC can immediately bring him back when they want.
Leon Edwards as potential opponent against Jorge Masvidal
Another key aspect of Jorge Masvidal’s comeback could be his interest in facing former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. That is a fight that has long been anticipated due to their infamous backstage altercation in 2019. Right now, Masvidal has a four-fight skid, losing to Usman (x2), Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns.
Meanwhile, Leon Edwards lost the welterweight title to Belal Muhammad. He couldn’t stop the takedowns and struggled to deal with Muhammad’s pressure. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has a bad feeling about Masvidal’s comeback. He feels fans might not have an interest in seeing Gamebred fight again. However, the Edwards vs. Masvidal grudge match can become something interesting.
Jorge Masvidal told me on Tuesday, he plans on returning in March to the UFC at the UFC Miami PPV card.
Preferably against Leon Edwards.
Full interview below: https://t.co/y7xximYxjx
— Damien Bartonek (@tvBartonek) September 26, 2024
Currently, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Jack Della Maddalena, and Ian Garry have an impressive winning streak in the welterweight division. As such, Masvidal may not be able to use his stardom to earn a title shot. Even the prospect of Edwards vs. Masvidal only happens if the UFC wants it to happen. As such, only the UFC knows what the Miami native’s future looks like.
