Masvidal Wants UFC to Pay Up for Edwards Grudge Match

Former BMF champion says talks have been ongoing but money hasn't been right

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the silhouettes of two UFC fighters in mid-action, their forms fractured and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The long-simmering rivalry between welterweight contenders Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards may finally come to a head, if the UFC can meet Masvidal's financial demands.Las Vegas Today

Jorge Masvidal is eager to settle his long-standing beef with Leon Edwards, but he says the UFC needs to pay up for the grudge match. Masvidal revealed on the 'Deep Waters' podcast that negotiations have been ongoing, but the financial terms haven't been agreeable. The former BMF champion says he's ready to drop to welterweight for the fight, but the UFC needs to meet his asking price.

Why it matters

Masvidal and Edwards have a heated history dating back to a backstage altercation in 2016, making this a highly anticipated matchup for MMA fans. The fight could also have major implications for the welterweight title picture, as both men are top contenders in the division.

The details

Masvidal says he's been in talks with the UFC about the Edwards fight for a while, but they haven't been able to agree on the financial terms. He believes it's 'low-hanging fruit' for the promotion and is urging them to 'give me what I'm asking for' to make the fight happen. Retired UFC fighter Dustin Poirier, who was on the podcast with Masvidal, suggested the fight could take place at UFC International Fight Week in July.

  • Masvidal and Edwards had a backstage altercation in 2016.

The players

Jorge Masvidal

A former UFC welterweight title challenger and the original 'BMF' champion, known for his exciting fighting style and viral backstage altercation with Leon Edwards.

Leon Edwards

A top-ranked UFC welterweight contender who has been linked to a fight against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.

Dustin Poirier

A recently retired UFC fighter who appeared on the 'Deep Waters' podcast with Masvidal and suggested the Masvidal-Edwards fight could take place at UFC International Fight Week in July.

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What they’re saying

“It's low-hanging fruit for the UFC. Just give me what I'm asking for, and we're good to go, man.”

— Jorge Masvidal, UFC Fighter

“We've been talking for a minute, it's just that we haven't landed on that thing. You guys know better how the UFC works. I love them to death, but man, they make you work for every single thing. It's always not quite what you wanted it to be a lot of the time, but we'll get something done.”

— Jorge Masvidal, UFC Fighter

“If they give me the Leon fight, I would get down to 170 by tomorrow. I would like that fight. He doesn't have anything scheduled.”

— Jorge Masvidal, UFC Fighter

What’s next

The UFC has not yet officially announced a fight between Masvidal and Edwards, but the two welterweights have a long-standing rivalry that fans have been eager to see settled in the octagon. If the promotion can reach an agreement with Masvidal on the financial terms, the fight could potentially take place at UFC International Fight Week in July.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between UFC fighters and the promotion over fighter pay. Masvidal is a proven draw and a former title challenger, but he's still having to negotiate hard to get the compensation he believes he deserves for a high-profile grudge match. The UFC will need to find a way to satisfy its stars if it wants to continue delivering the marquee matchups that fans crave.