Leon Edwards says Jorge Masvidal has turned down a fight with from the UFC.
With Colby Covington’s victory over Robbie Lawler last week cementing himself as the new number one contender for Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title, most had felt a fight between Edwards and Masvidal would cement the man next in line to fight for gold.
According to Edwards, however, the UFC contacted Masvidal to organise a bout, and Masvidal declined the opportunity.
“The only fight that makes sense now is me and Masvidal, and that’s the fight that I want,” Edwards said, speaking with MMAJunkie. “I spoke to the UFC. They want the fight. I want the fight. But Masvidal is turning the fight down. They say he doesn’t want the fight, so I don’t know. I’m just here. I’ll be ready to go at the end of the year and hopefully get one of those fights.
“They’re saying Masvidal said no, he doesn’t want the fight. He’s trying to outbid himself, saying he wants a stupid amount of money to fight. So I’m ready to go. I’m just waiting to see what happens, and so I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we get the fight done.”
Since his stunning win over Ben Askren, which took just five seconds, Masvidal has suddenly become one of the most talked about men on the UFC roster. No doubt in line with that popularity, Masvidal and his team have stood firm in their belief that the Cuban-American should receive a huge fight next time out.
Indeed after hearing Edwards’ comments, Masvidal’s manager Abe Kawa denied the report, and instead stated an agreement with the UFC had already been struck prior to the Askren bout last month.
“We were never offered a fight with Leon as we already negotiated a title shot after the Askren win,” Kawa said. “This is a desperate attempt. Yes Jorge[‘s] next fight is for the title. As for “demands” it can’t be a demand if it was already agreed to before he fought Askren. Thanks.”
#fakenews we were never offered a fight with Leon as we already negotiated a title shot after the askren win. This is a desperate attempt. Yes Jorge next fight is for the title. as for “demands” it can’t be a demand if it was already agreed to before he fought askren. Thanks https://t.co/gwFdTe8gGC
— Ibrahim Kawa (@Abraham_kawa) August 8, 2019
UPDATE: Edwards and Kawa have since argued on social media.
shut your lying mouth you fat fuck. stop trying to protect your boy and stop your desperate attempts to be tough on twitter your quiet as a mouse in person
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) August 8, 2019
1. Don’t know I was being tough on twitter
2. Why would I ever speak to you in person?
3. Don’t hate on my dad bod I’ve worked hard for it
4. Jorge has never been offered a fight with you https://t.co/si2rgc5AiG— Ibrahim Kawa (@Abraham_kawa) August 8, 2019
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