A possible welterweight title fight is being negotiated between reigning champion Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
According to sources who spoke to MMA Fighting on Saturday, talks are underway to potentially book the matchup for UFC 251 after Gilbert Burns was dropped from the main event after testing positive for COVID-19. Burns was originally supposed to be flying to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, but did not board his flight after the test results were returned.
While it appears Burns leaving the card essentially eliminated Usman as well, the promotion is apparently trying to salvage the main event with ongoing talks to secure Masvidal as an opponent. ESPN initially reported on ongoing negotiations.
Before Burns won the title fight, Masvidal was already the front-runner to compete for welterweight gold, but the contract negotiations fell apart. Masvidal later complained that the UFC was offering him less money to face Usman than he earned in his last fight against Nate Díaz in November 2019.
Finally, when the two sides were unable to reach an agreement, Masvidal was eliminated from the title fight and Burns was offered the opportunity after he dominated former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in May.
Unfortunately, Burns tested positive for the coronavirus, which meant that he would not be allowed to fight on July 11.
While it is impossible to say if the UFC and Masvidal can reach an agreement in time, the UFC is fighting to save the main event. Usman also scoffed at the possibility on Twitter earlier in the day on Saturday, but again at this time no deal was reached or contracts signed.
It may be time for the Pig to squeal
– KAMARU USMAN (@ USMAN84kg) July 4, 2020
Still, Masvidal’s team in talks with the UFC is a positive sign that there are at least ongoing discussions to potentially book the fight with Usman on July 11.
Earlier on Saturday, Masvidal’s manager Malki Kawa posted a video on Instagram showing the “BMF” champion taking a COVID-19 anti-body test. Masvidal would also have to undergo all COVID-19 test requirements before he could sign to fight Usman at UFC 251.
Regardless of whether this fight takes place or not, UFC 251 has two reserved title bouts with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Max Holloway and Petr Yan battling José Aldo to crown a new bantamweight champion. All four fighters have already passed their COVID-19 test requirements before taking a chartered flight to Abu Dhabi on Friday.
