Report: Jorge Masvidal Could Step In, Face Kamaru Usman In UFC 251 Main Event
This coming Saturday Night’s UFC 251 card took a major hit earlier today when it was revealed that Gilbert Burns was pulled from the main event of the show due to testing positive for the coronavirus, leaving UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman without an opponent.
However, it looks like a last minute savior could step in and face Usman on a weeks notice, with that person being BMF Champion Jorge Masvidal.
Ariel Helwani of ESPN is reporting that negotiations are underway for Masvidal to potentially step in and face Usman at UFC 251:
There are active negotiations ongoing to book Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal as next week’s UFC 251 main event, sources say, and I’m told the sides believe there is a now a path to make it happen. Not done, but a promising development.
More: https://t.co/0Kj81H5l1z
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 5, 2020
This is not some pie in the sky let me throw it out there to save the day story. That’s for sure. But important to remember there are so many hurdles in this pandemic era + the Abu Dhabi factor is an extra hurdle, too. Still, confidence is growing tonight.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 5, 2020
IF they get a deal done, and IF they pass all their tests, and IF Masvidal, the 17-year vet who started in the backyards of Miami, somehow pulls this off and wins this belt after all these years under these crazy circumstances … that would be legendary status right there.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 5, 2020
UFC 251 takes place on Saturday, July 11 from Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with Kamaru Usman and an opponent to be announced headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
