Masvidal Eyes Octagon Return

By FIGHTSPORTS Mar 24, 2026

Former BMF Champion Jorge Masvidal (35-17) confirmed that there is a plan with the UFC for a return to the Octagon, revealing that the promotion has already provided him with a “shortlist” of three potential opponents for a summer or fall comeback.

The news comes after Masvidal revealed that he was the original target to face Mike Perry on the May 16 Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card after he missed out on the UFC 250 Freedom White House card. Gamebread has not had a UFC fight since his loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in 2023, while his last bout was a majority decision loss to Nate Diaz in their boxing fight.

Masvidal declined the offer to return to the UFC, as MVP signed Nate Diaz to face Perry. While Masvidal refrained from naming the specific fighters on the UFC’s list, he hinted that the matchups are designed to catapult him back into the welterweight elite. Fights with Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns have been mentioned, however, with the exception of not ruling out facing Conor, he did not name names.

“I was talking to Nakisa [Bidarian], I get along very well with Nakisa and nothing but love for him for even thinking of me and calling me up, it just didn’t work out. I had the first offer before they gave it to Nate, it was me and I desperately wanted to take the fight but the UFC has a good, good plan for me and they told me the plan. I like it and we’re going to see it through now,” Masvidal said

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