Masvidal Outlines Plans For A McGregor Clash

Jorge Masvidal labeled Conor McGregor a “coward,” promising a “violent Red Panty Night” if the two finally clash this year. 

Despite being absent from the UFC since his loss to Gilbert Burns in 2023, Masvidal insists he is in peak physical condition and has “unfinished business” with the Irishman. Masvidal didn’t hold back during his recent media tour, targeting McGregor’s perceived reluctance to take the fight.

“I always keep that door open. I’m always training. I’m always keeping myself prepared. I wouldn’t mind beating the f—king living piss out of that, what’s that little Irishman that sells whiskey? I wouldn’t mind beating the piss out of him or the other f—king dude from across the pond, Leon [Edwards]. Either one of those two dudes, you know, I wouldn’t mind, man. I got a little bit of unfinished business.

“I know Conor’s b-tch ass ain’t taking the fight because he ain’t never accepted that fight. And it’s for a reason. I’m a stand-up fighter. I’m better than him at the stand-up. I’m a little bigger than him, and I’m a lot meaner than that coward. I told the UFC, if you put the right fights in front of me, I’ll take them. So they know I’m open to kicking Conor’s teeth. And, you know, I just know he’s probably not going to take the fight,” Masvidal stated 

Will It Happen?

Earlier this year, rumors swirled that Masvidal would face McGregor at the UFC Freedom 250 (White House) card on June 14. While that never panned out—with the UFC opting for Topuria vs. Gaethje as the headliner—Masvidal remains hopeful for a summer return.

Ariel Helwani suggested that if McGregor returns in 2026, the July 11 card in Las Vegas is the most likely date. Masvidal is positioning himself as the primary alternative to Kamaru Usman. McGregor is eligible to compete again on March 20, 2026, following his 18-month anti-doping suspension. If the McGregor fight fails to materialize, Masvidal also expressed interest in settling his 2019 “three-piece and a soda” grudge with Leon Edwards later this year.