Jorge Masvidal’s sabbatical from the Octagon may reach its final chapter and one name looms on the horizon of his possible UFC return. The inaugural BMF champion retired in 2023 following a loss, after a career of facing the absolute best. But then no-one predicted the four-fight losing-streak he went on before calling it a day in the sport. And now ‘Gamebred’ wants to come back, as he announced last year in December. Of course, his return in April for a Miami card didn’t happen, considering UFC 314 is behind us, but that hasn’t stopped him from naming his comeback opponent. And among the murderer’s row of elite competition he has faced, one name remained elusive throughout his later career. A name that could have probably given him the greatest fight in the Octagon—Leon Edwards.

In an exclusive sit-down with InsideFighting‘s Mike Owens in Miami, the former BMF champion made it clear that he’s ready to return, but only to finish what he started with the former welterweight king. “If they told me, ‘Hey, we’re going to give you Leon… proper time notice, let’s go.’ I’ll go there and beat the living snot [out of him],” Masvidal said, eyes blazing with the kind of focus fans haven’t seen since his title run.

In classic ‘Gamebred’ fashion, Masvidal didn’t pull any punches. “That’s the only fight, though, brother. Chill out, bro… if they gave me Leon, we’re back locked and loaded.” And just in case anyone thought the fire had faded, he doubled down: “My son’s gonna be pi**ed as f**k… I gotta go kick Leon’s a**.” This is a battle cry. For Masvidal, the Edwards matchup is personal, overdue, and the only thing that could pull him off the beach and back into camp.

The beef dates back to 2019 when the two clashed backstage in London in the infamous “three-piece and a soda” incident. Masvidal was fresh off of knocking out Darren Till, and Leon Edwards beat Gunner Nelson in the co-headliner. In a backstage interview, Edwards who was passing by made some comments, Masvidal confronted him before throwing a three-punch combo, leaving Edwards cut on the cheek. Theirs was supposed to be a storied saga leading up to a fight, but that never happened. Instead both ended up chasing each other when the other was at the height of their respective successes.

And while many counted that beef as water under the bridge, Masvidal doesn’t see it that way. “Even though it wasn’t an official fight… the closer I got to [him], he put his hands up like this. You see it in slow motion… that means you ready… so that’s a fight right there.” He wants the do-over, under the lights, with the gloves on and the referee officiating. “I want a referee to look at him and have to tell his a**, ‘You ready? Because he’s coming for you.'”

Edwards has been radio-silent since Masvidal’s comments dropped, but the fans? They’re eating it up. With Leon coming off back-to-back losses and no clear contender lined up, the stars might be aligning for one of the most anticipated grudge matches in UFC history. All eyes now turn to Dana White, who has the power to finally put this rivalry to rest.

Jorge Masvidal’s comeback for vengeance, legacy, and a promise to God

Masvidal’s possible return is beyond revenge and more about legacy. He reflected on his journey with a humility not often associated with a man who once kneed Ben Askren into orbit. “First and foremost, [I want to be remembered as] a God-fearing man… I had freaking amazing talent at one point… but I always thank God. Since a kid, this is what I wanted to do.”

Despite walking away from MMA in 2023, the itch hasn’t gone. “Even if I don’t have a fight… I have to be at the gym, fight or no fight.” But However, if something is coming up that screams purpose, Jorge Masvidal is up for it. “I love spending time with my family… but if you told me I’m fighting Leon… I’ll put everything aside.” And for those wondering if the dog is still in him, Jorge Masvidal has to say this. “If they say Leon wants to get his [ __ ] upper lip busted… you know who’s trusted.”

If this bout materializes, Masvidal’s return might rewrite the last chapter of his UFC story in fireworks. And for Edwards, it could be a chance to silence the noise once and for all. Either way, one thing’s for sure: the fans are ready. All eyes now turn to Dana White. The ball’s in his court.