MasvidalExpressesPossibility of Return Battle Against Long-Standing Foe, Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal is growing more confident that he'll battle in the UFC again in 2025.
He's aiming for a return in April, on an unannounced event in Miami, but Masvidal recently hinted at a potential clash in UFC London in March against a fighter who strongly resembles previous UFC welterweight champion, Leon Edwards.
Masvidal and Edwards have a long-standing feud that has yet to turn into an Octagon showdown. However, Masvidal infamously clocked Edwards backstage during an event in London in 2019, which was captured on film. The video shows Masvidal opening a cut beneath Edwards' left eye, causing the latter to explode with anger after the altercation.
Edwards talked about the incident in January 2023, telling ESPN UK that it's "something he wants to settle."
At the time, Edwards was defending his title, while Masvidal was on a three-bout losing streak that became a four-fight slump with a loss to Colby Covington just three months later.
Despite their animosity, it's evident that neither man holds the other in high regard.
Edwards has been taking his time returning to the Octagon, having lost his title to Belal Muhammad in another grudge match in July. The UFC would love to have him as a main event on the UFC London card, and a fight with Masvidal could meet several preferences.
Masvidal hasn't fought in the UFC since his loss to Covington. At 40 years old, Edwards would likely enter the bout as a substantial favorite.
A victory for Edwards would give him an opportunity to shine, possibly restoring his confidence against Masvidal, who, for all intents and purposes, isn't on an elite level anymore. A successful outing could also delight the home fans at the O2 Arena in London.
However, if Masvidal defies expectations and emerges victorious, things might get intriguing. Despite his age and recent struggles, Masvidal remains one of combat sports' most prominent figures. Should the UFC find a place for him on a pay-per-view card later in 2025, it would benefit the promotion.
As we approach the New Year, we should receive more precise details regarding Masvidal's UFC comeback date and location.
This Saturday - Covington vs. Buckley at UFC Tampa
One of Masvidal and Edwards' former adversaries and bitter enemies makes his way back into the Octagon this Saturday. Colby Covington headlines the UFC Tampa card, facing Joaquin Buckley in an important welterweight duel.
Here is the complete card:
- Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley (Welterweight)
- Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo (Featherweight)
- Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva (Flyweight)
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino (Light Heavyweight)
- Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)
- Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos (Light Heavyweight)
- Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar (Lightweight)
- Drakkar Klose vs. Joel Alvarez (Lightweight)
- Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla (Featherweight)
- Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima (Featherweight)
- Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (Flyweight)
- Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras (Bantamweight)
- Piera Rodriguez vs. Joseline Knutsson (Strawweight)
- Jorge Masvidal mentioned a potential fight against Leon Edwards in UFC London, which is scheduled for March, rekindling their long-standing feud that started with an altercation in 2019.
- Despite their enmity, Colby Covington and Leon Edwards' rivalry took a different turn as Covington faces Joaquin Buckley this Saturday at UFC Tampa, a significant welterweight clash.
- UFC London could see the highly anticipated showdown between Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards, with the latter likely to enter as a favorite given his recent form.
- Dana White, the UFC president, will be keen to include Leon Edwards in the UFC London main event, considering it could meet multiple preferences and provide a potential boost for the promotion.
- The UFC has yet to reveal the exact date and location for Jorge Masvidal's comeback in 2025, but fans are eagerly awaiting more specifics as the New Year approaches.
