Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards have not been shy about their disdain for one another following their backstage altercation at UFC Fight Night 147 in 2019.
The No.11-ranked welterweight has been angling for a title shot against Edwards ever since he dethroned Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. Leading up to his first title defense, the welterweight champion shared how Masvidal can earn the opportunity to face him.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Edwards stated:
“If he goes out there and beats Gilbert [Burns], I think that’s the fight [Edwards vs. Masvidal] to make. It’s been a long time brewing – three, four years brewing so let’s get in there and settle it once and for all and go from there.”
Helwani responded by asking if Edwards believes that Masvidal will emerge victorious at UFC 287, leading the welterweight champion to claim:
“No. I hope they f**king both lose to be honest with you… It’s going to be a good bout. I’m looking forward to it – to see who the best bum is.”
With Edwards set to defend his title against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, Masvidal will have a tremendous opportunity when he fights less than a month later at UFC 287, particularly if the former emerges victorious.
If Edwards is able to defeat Usman and ‘Street Jesus’ is able to defeat Burns, Masvidal will likely receive another title opportunity despite having lost his previous three fights.
Watch Leon Edwards discuss a potential matchup with Jorge Masvidal below:
#TheMMAHour
Leon Edwards feels Jorge Masvidal is “the fight to make” if he beats Gilbert Burns ? #TheMMAHour”It’s going to be a good bout — I’m looking forward to it — to see who the best bum is.”▶️ youtu.be/QRMM-q9WXDU https://t.co/TqWrtzKEpy
Jorge Masvidal responds to Gilbert Burns’ call to fight for the ‘BMF’ title
Jorge Masvidal was awarded the symbolic ‘BMF’ title after defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in 2019. Gilbert Burns, who Masvidal will face at UFC 287, recently took to Twitter to call for an opportunity to fight for the title:
“Come on @danawhite April 8 has to be 5 rounds! Put that belt on the line! Everybody knows it’s only one guy in the @ufc that fights ANYONE! #ufc287”
Masvidal, who appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, responded, sharing the conditions under which he would put the ‘BMF’ belt on the line:
“If they pay me BMF money, but UFC ain’t going to up the money, so, sorry Gilbert. I already got my contract, man. I already signed my s**t. I could give a f**k less… Three rounds is more than I need for Gilbert. I like all the publicity and the extras he’s putting into it, and all that other stuff, but, bro, three rounds is all I need for his a**.”
Since winning the symbolic belt, each of Masvidal’s opponents has called for the belt to be put on the line. However, UFC President Dana White has already noted that the belt was a one-time thing and won’t be contested going forward. The No.11-ranked welterweight is yet to win a fight since winning the belt.
Check out Gilbert Burns’ tweet and Jorge Masvidal’s response below:
#Leon #Edwards #open #facing #Jorge #Masvidal #wins #UFC
