Published 11:33 IST, July 6th 2020
UFC Fight Island main event will see Kamaru Usman defend title against BMF Jorge Masvidal
UFC Fight Island: Dana White and UFC confirmed this week that Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal will finally be the headline contest for UFC 251.
Advertisement
After Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19, inaugural headliner of UFC Fight Island appeared to be in massive jeopardy. However, BMF Jorge Masvidal stepped in to save day for Dana White and UFC fans. When welterweight champion Kamaru Usman lost an opponent in form of Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal offered to slot in against ‘ Nigerian Nightmare’ at main event of UFC 251 despite taking some very public shots at Dana White over last month. UFC chief wasted time in finalising welterweight bout in under a tice of six days.
Advertisement
UFC 251: Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal to headline UFC Fight Island
opening headliner of UFC Fight Island events will w see Jorge Masvidal go up against Kamaru Usman for welterweight title, which was, incidentally, first choice of UFC matchmakers before Gilbert Burns slid into mix. UFC has been working on a fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal since past two months. However, 'BMF' and Dana White could t come to a decision during negotiations and matchup failed to materialise last month, following which Gilbert Burns was handed bout for welterweight title.
Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal is likely to be greeted with much fervour as a number of UFC stars past and present hit out at promotion for putting Gilbert Burns up against welterweight titleholder. UFC 251 fight card was earlier criticised since a number of fighters and fans believed Burns was suddenly thrown into mix courtesy of clash between Dana White and Masvidal. UFC 251 fight card will w be headlined by Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal with Dana White navigating around yet ar hurdle by sticking to his promise of three title fights at Fight Island - Welterweight, Fearweight, and Bantamweight -in very first UFC Fight Island event at UFC 251. or two title fights will see newly crowned 145 lbs champion Alexander Volkavski defend his title against former champion Max Holloway in a rematch while Peter Yan will face Jose Aldo for vacated bantamweight title.
Advertisement
Also Read | UFC 251 news: UFC Fight Island To Have 5 Rounds Of COVID-19 Testing And A Host Of Or Protocols
UFC 251: Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal made official
As per reports, COVID-19 test results of both Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman have come out negative but both of m have been advised to remain in a 48-hour quarantine at ir respective hotel rooms. UFC has conducted five-protocol COVID-19 testing to ensure complete safety of ir fighters. UFC 251, first UFC Fight Island event featuring Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal will be live on Sunday, July 12 from Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Im courtesy: UFC.com
11:33 IST, July 6th 2020