Jorge Masvidal, who last competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2023, has publicly declared his interest in a comeback fight against former two-division champion Conor McGregor. The fighter, known by his nickname 'Gamebred,' issued an aggressive challenge during a recent interview published on March 13, 2026.
Masvidal made clear his intentions regarding a potential return to mixed martial arts competition, stating he maintains an open-door policy regarding future fights. The athlete emphasized his continued training regimen and readiness to compete despite his retirement from active competition.
"I always keep that door open. I'm always training. I'm always keeping myself prepared," Masvidal explained during the interview. He specifically identified McGregor and fellow fighter Leon Edwards as potential opponents for a return bout.
The former welterweight contender expressed skepticism regarding McGregor's willingness to accept such a matchup, citing their stylistic differences and physical attributes. Masvidal characterized himself as a superior stand-up fighter with advantages in size and aggression, suggesting these factors would deter the Irish athlete from agreeing to the contest.
Regarding Edwards, Masvidal referenced a longstanding rivalry between the two fighters. The tension between them reached a notable climax during a March 2019 incident following a Fight Night event, when the two athletes engaged in a physical altercation backstage after exchanging words. Masvidal famously described the confrontation as delivering a "three-piece and a soda" to his opponent.
According to Masvidal, he has communicated his availability to UFC management, indicating his willingness to compete if presented with compelling matchups. The fighter characterized potential bouts with either McGregor or Edwards as marquee events that would generate significant interest within the sport.
"I told the UFC, if you put the right fights in front of me, I'll take them," Masvidal stated. He predicted that a contest with either of his named opponents "would be the biggest fight of the year."
The challenge represents a significant development in the mixed martial arts landscape, as both Masvidal and McGregor maintain substantial fan bases and promotional value despite periods of inactivity. Whether either potential matchup materializes remains dependent on negotiations between the fighters and UFC management, as well as the willingness of the challenged athletes to accept the proposed contests.