Leon Edwards believes 2020 is the year he finally gets his hands on Jorge Masvidal.
It was last March at UFC London that the two had their infamous backstage confrontation that saw Masvidal strike Edwards which birthed the “three-piece and a soda” meme.
However, they haven’t been booked to face each other since. Instead, Edwards went on to defeat Rafael dos Anjos and is now set to take on Tyron Woodley at UFC London this year.
Masvidal, meanwhile, went on to earn huge wins over Ben Askren and Nate Diaz and now appears next in line to face current champion Kamaru Usman.
Although nothing is set in stone with regard to that title fight, Edwards believes him and Masvidal will end up colliding this year one way or another.
“I’m going to get my hands on him,” Edwards told MMA Junkie. “Cage or no cage, me getting my hands on him is the main goal. Let’s say they fight for the title, Usman and Masvidal, Usman beats Masvidal, I wouldn’t want to fight Masvidal [next]. Or vice-versa, he beats Usman, I’ll fight for the world title. Or I beat Usman, he fights me for the world title so either way, this year we’re going to fight. That’s the big fight.”
Regardless of who he potentially fights for the title, there’s a story behind both matchups for Edwards.
“Both fights got a story behind it,” Edwards added. “Usman, last guy to beat me. Masvidal whacked me in London. They both got a great selling point for a big fight, a big pay-per-view. Either way, each fight is big money.”
However, “Rocky” has a tough task ahead of him. He must first get past the former champion in Woodley if he has any hopes of challenging for the title next.
Woodley hasn’t competed since losing his welterweight strap to Usman last March. But he appears motivated and ready to remind everyone why he was the champion for so long.
Edwards is hoping to face the very best Woodley — the same kind who knocked out Robbie Lawler to become the champion in the first place.
“I’m prepping for the one that beat Robbie Lawler,” Edwards said. “I want that Tyron. I want the best version of himself. I feel I’m number one so I believe I’ll beat him even on his best day. That’s the one I’m prepping for and that’s the one I’m aiming for.”
Woodley and Edwards will headline UFC London at the O2 Center on March 21.