Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards‘ rivalry, stemming from a 2019 backstage altercation, remains unresolved as Masvidal claims Edwards declined a fight, but with Masvidal planning a comeback and Edwards needing an opponent, the potential for their long-awaited matchup persists.
Feels like ages ago, doesn’t it? Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards had that infamous backstage brawl, birthing a catchphrase now etched into MMA lore.
“I gave him the three-piece with the soda.”
That’s how Masvidal described landing a few punches on Edwards after a UFC event in London back in 2019. The bad blood was palpable. You’d think they’d settle it in the octagon, but the UFC never made it happen.
Fast forward over five years, and people still ask about that day. The rivalry remains unresolved.
Masvidal says he agreed to fight Edwards, but claims the future champ declined. So, no dice.
“I know he wouldn’t fight me,” Masvidal told MMA Fighting. “He got offered and turned it down. He don’t want this.”
“I tried [to fight him]. Leon Edwards don’t want this,” he added. “He had other options, went for other things except fight me. I’ll tell you that much.”
But could things change now? Masvidal’s planning a UFC comeback, and Edwards needs an opponent after losing the welterweight title to Belal Muhammad in July.
Masvidal isn’t against it. There’s unfinished business, and their mutual disdain hasn’t vanished.
While his comeback fight isn’t set, Masvidal is eager to face Edwards. He’s throwing down the gauntlet for a sooner-than-later showdown.
“I’ll tell you right now, Leon, I will whoop your f*cking ass,” Masvidal declared. “Let’s f*cking go. Maybe Dec. 7 in Vegas, maybe next year at the Super Bowl. I don’t know but I’ll beat the f*ck out of your little skinny ass.”
Edwards hasn’t fought since his loss to Muhammad in July but hinted at a return before year-end.
Masvidal was impressed by Muhammad’s performance in that fight. Despite not having any skin in the game, he admired how Muhammad shut down Edwards for most of the bout.
Muhammad’s undefeated streak now stands at 11 consecutive fights, earning praise from Masvidal.
“Belal has improved so much since I first saw him,” Masvidal said. “Not the best athlete or craziest skill set, but he kept getting better. Many times I thought he’d lose—wrong! He beat the f*ck out of those guys multiple times.”
“Seeing him as champion now, he’s one of the most drastically improved fighters. Truly amazing journey.”