Jorge Masvidal claims UFC blocked Rousey vs. Carano fight offer after matchmakers shared ‘good plans’ for Octagon return

Jorge Masvidal could be weeks away from a comeback fight after the UFC barred a recent offer from Most Valuable Promotions.

Inaugural BMF champion Jorge Masvidal hung up the gloves after his fight against Gilbert Burns in his homecoming bout at UFC 287. But just a few years after his retirement fight, Masvidal could be on the verge of a comeback.

Masvidal is undoubtedly one of the UFC’s biggest stars to never hold a world championship belt. The former UFC title challenger lost four consecutive fights to Kamaru Usman (twice), Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns before walking away from MMA.

Masvidal returned to combat sports in 2024 in a boxing match with former BMF foe Nate Diaz, losing by majority decision in his first boxing fight in 20 years. An avid supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, Masvidal was briefly linked to a possible spot on the upcoming White House card before UFC CEO Dana White’s full card announcement.

After the UFC Freedom 250 snub, Masvidal was approached by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions to fight on the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card. Before MVP signed Nate Diaz and Mike Perry to fight one another, Masvidal was allegedly the first name they targeted.

Jorge Masvidal: UFC barred Most Valuable Promotions fight offer to ensure comeback

In a recent episode of his Death Row MMA podcast, Masvidal revealed recent conversations he had with the UFC that may point to an MMA comeback.

“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,” Masvidal said.

“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.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

In terms of a potential opponent, Masvidal went on to share that the matchmakers shared three ‘good’ candidates to fight him in his return. While he didn’t get into details, Masvidal didn’t rule out a potential future fight against Conor McGregor, who could return in July following a five-year hiatus.

Who do you want Jorge Masvidal to fight in his potential UFC comeback? Let us know in the comments!