Masvidal Gets The Nod Over Covington To Replace Burns At UFC 251
It didn’t take Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington long to react to the news that Gilbert Burns had tested positive for the coronavirus and would not be flying out to UFC Fight Island, where he was set to challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 251.
MMA Junkie were first to report the news; stating that Burns, along with his cornermen, which consisted of his brother Herbert and coach Greg Jones; had all failed COVID-19 tests and as a result, did not board the plane to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
It was also reported that Usman didn’t get on the flight. It is believed that the UFC will reschedule the 170lbs title fight at a later date. However, that hasn’t stopped both Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington from taking to social media to seemingly throw their names in the hat to replace Burns.
Usman defended his title against Covington last November at UFC 245, after referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight in the final minute of the fifth round. While Masvidal was expected to challenge ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ at UFC 251 but was replaced with Burns when he refused the UFC’s offer, saying he wasn’t offered enough money.
What do you think the UFC should do, reschedule the Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns fight, offer the fight to Jorge Masvidal, or offer Colby Covington the rematch he’s been campaigning for?
UPDATE:
According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is currently is looking to make Usman vs Masvidal as the main event for next weekend’s UFC 251.
FURTHER UPDATE:
In the last couple of minutes, Helwani has reported that barring any last minute hiccups, Usman vs Masvidal is set to headline UFC 251.
“The Usman-Masvidal talks are ongoing and moving in a positive direction. While there are still multiple hurdles left, feeling confident about the direction of the talks and barring any last minute issues it appears inevitable this fight gets done.”
With the developments in the last few hours, it’s safe to say that Usman is happy right now.
NEW UPDATE:
Helwani has now confirmed that the deal is done. Both Usman and Masvidal have flown to Las Vegas, where on arrival they were tested for the coronavirus. Should their results come back negative, they will immediately fly out to Yas Island.
ANOTHER UPDATE:
Masvidal has passed his coronavirus test in Las Vegas. Both he and Usman will fly out to Abu Dhabi on Monday.
See also: