Jorge Masvidal Eyes UFC Return at 41, Sets Sights on Leon Edwards Clash

Jorge Masvidal remains confident he will return to the UFC octagon, telling the promotion he is in active negotiations despite being without a fight deal as of yet.

The 41-year-old Miami native, who coined the original "BMF" title, confirmed he turned down an opportunity to appear on the Netflix card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. Masvidal is holding out for the right UFC deal rather than accepting whatever comes available.

UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation during the UFC 327 post-fight press conference in Miami, saying: "We have no fights for him right now. We have nothing done with him. He's talking to us."

Masvidal himself has been more optimistic, telling 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."

The veteran fighter says he would prefer proper time to prepare — ideally four to five months before stepping back into the octagon. He also indicated he would be willing to compete at welterweight for the right opponent.

"I will take a fight at welterweight if it's the right names that I'm asking," Masvidal said. "There's a name or two I'm asking. Look, if they give me the Leon Edwards fight, I'll get to 170 by tomorrow. No kidding. Quick. I would like that fight, you know."

Masvidal last competed in the UFC in 2022 and has been hinting at a comeback for some time. Whether "Gamebred" actually returns to face a high-profile opponent like Edwards remains to be seen, but both sides appear willing to make it happen.

The question now is whether UFC can deliver a matchup worthy of Masvidal's legacy when the negotiation dust settles.