Masvidal Says UFC Return "Close"

Jorge Masvidal, 41, says talks for his UFC comeback are progressing, with Leon Edwards emerging as his preferred target.

Masvidal retired following a loss at UFC 287 and later returned to combat sports in a boxing loss to Nate Diaz. He was offered a fight on a recent MVP card alongside Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, but the UFC blocked the move by refusing to release him from his contract.

"I've been talking to the UFC. Could be this year, could be early next year. We've been talking for a little bit, and the numbers are getting closer and closer and better and better. So there might be some big news coming soon. Nothing worth mentioning yet; waiting for the right names and stuff.

"Once they give me the right name and the right number attached to that, you'll see your boy right back over here at the T-Mobile Arena. Leon is definitely somebody that I would like to get back in with and just close that chapter out," Masvidal

Edwards has dropped three straight fights, most recently to Carlos Prates at UFC 322. He and Masvidal have unfinished business dating back to a backstage brawl following a shared UFC card in London in March 2019.