The UFC is close to finalizing the welterweight title fight that the fans have been anxious to see this entire year. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani is reporting that the UFC is progressing in talks to book Kamaru Usman (16-1) and Jorge Masvidal (35-13) for next week’s UFC 251 card on Fight Island.
https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1279630850498404353
The UFC is making a push
Late Friday evening, the UFC heard some bad news as top contender, Gilbert Burns, tested positive for COVID-19. After Masvidal’s contract negotiations fell apart to fight Usman for the UFC title, the surging Burns got the shot. Following the news of Burns’ positive test, the UFC went into scramble mode. The likes of Masvidal and Colby Covington were both offering to step in.
Masvidal was supposed to fight Usman from the very beginning. Masvidal was asked initially to take less money which is why the conversation fell apart. Burns in-return got the shot at Usman. However, the UFC came back to the table with Masvidal looking to make a deal after the Burns fight fell through. Helwani reported this morning that both Usman and Masvidal are on their way to Las Vegas.
Kamaru Usman is on his way back to Las Vegas. As is Jorge Masvidal. https://t.co/qmsxZ3tj3o
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 5, 2020
The fight that always should have happened
One has to feel bad for Burns. Burns’ winning streak earned him a title shot, but now his shot is no longer guaranteed. After Burns tested positive, the UFC has put the full-court press on to make Usman/Masvidal for next week’s PPV on Yas Island. If the fight is remotely competitive, you might see the two men fight twice given that Masvidal is stepping up on one week’s notice.
If this fight does get finalized today, next week’s card is being given a massive bump. While Burns is insanely talented, he’s not the star that Jorge Masvidal is. Masvidal fighting Usman is way bigger for the event than Usman fighting Burns. There are still some hurdles to overcome including COVID testing and required quarantine periods before the two men land on Yas Island, but I’m pretty confident that barring any hiccups, Kamaru Usman will be fighting Jorge Masvidal next Saturday night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9rkmAs2UE