Masvidal ‘Probably Not’ Coming Back To UFC

The UFC CEO didn’t mince words when asked whether we should expect to see ‘Gamebred’ or ‘The Chosen One’ step back into the octagon.

Given the weak state of some UFC pay-per-views these days, you’d think the promotion would be happy to have a few more recognizable name fighters that could pad up the mid-card on some upcoming events. That’s not the case, though, at least not when it comes to Jorge Masvidal or Tyron Woodley.

Both men have been talking to media recently about a UFC return. Masvidal suggested a December or February match against Leon Edwards, while Woodley says his MMA break is over after two losses to Jake Paul and getting jerked around by a bunch of big talkers. But is the UFC interested in their services?

“Probably not,” UFC CEO Dana White said following the latest Contender Series event when asked if we’d see Masvidal or Woodley back in the octagon.

That is both surprising and unsurprising. Masvidal is on a five fight skid — four losses in a row in the UFC, and a majority decision loss to Nate Diaz in boxing. That’s a lot of red on his record, which hasn’t featured a win since 2019.

At least “Gamebred” is a fan favorite. Tyron Woodley is also on a six fight losing streak, but frustrated fans endlessly with his tentative fighting style at the end of his tenure with the UFC. Unlike Masvidal — who still has matches with the UFC but was given special permission to compete outside the promotion — Woodley fought out his UFC contract and is a free agent.

That gives Tyron a little more flexibility, not like there’s a wealth of options outside the UFC any more. As for Jorge? Whatever happens with the UFC, “Gamebred” continues to hustle. At the end of September he teased something big coming up.

“I’m supposed to get big word, brother – big word, big news,” he told MMA Junkie. “I’ll tell you now: It’d be the biggest news of the year probably.”