Masvidal plotting UFC return, says title run never 'out of the question'

Jorge Masvidal is heading back to the Octagon in the near future.

The former MMA star said Wednesday that he's "definitely, 100%" returning to the UFC and hopes to compete at the end of this year or early 2025.

"There's just nothing in the world that compares to MMA. ... It's just the funnest thing I've ever done in my life," Masvidal told Grind City Media's John Morgan. "There were a lot of nights I went to sleep just missing it."

Masvidal retired from the sport in April 2023 following a 20-year career. However, "Gamebred" returned to competition this past summer, making his professional boxing debut against former UFC rival Nate Diaz. Masvidal lost to Diaz via majority decision.

Though Masvidal lost four consecutive fights to finish his UFC run, the 39-year-old said he sees a path back to the welterweight title picture.

Masvidal unsuccessfully challenged Kamaru Usman for the 170-pound belt in 2020 and 2021.

"When I get the biggest fights that I can possibly get, knock that motherf----r dead, they're gonna be begging me to fight for the title," Masvidal said. "A title run is never, never, ever out of the question. Especially for somebody as skilled as me."

One opponent Masvidal sees as a possibility is lightweight contender Michael Chandler, who has waited nearly two years for a megafight against Conor McGregor that has yet to happen.

"I can swoop right in, I can knock Chandler's ass out, knock him dead on the mat, grab that microphone and call out (McGregor)," Masvidal said. "But (McGregor will) never fight me, so why even waste my f-----g time? He won't even fight f-----g Chandler. I don't know what Conor's f-----g deal is. I don't think he's ever gonna fight. But Chandler is just gonna sit around and wait and stuff. We can fight, I can knock you out, and then you can still wait for Conor.

"As far as me, I just want to get in there and f-----g release this heat. We'll see who they can line me up with."

Masvidal said he'd also be "100% in" to fight former UFC title challenger Nick Diaz, who booked a comeback bout earlier this year before it was ultimately canceled.