Usman gets new opponent for UFC title defense

By Akeem Lawal

IN a shocking turn of events, Nigerian born USA-based mixed martial artist Kamaru Usman will now defend his UFC welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251 on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi on July 11.

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that the Nigerian Nightmare (16-1) was initially scheduled to take on his training partner Gilbert Burns but the Brazilian had to withdraw last Saturday having tested positive before leaving for the UAE.

Masvidal, who was originally in line to take on Usman before negotiations broke down over pay, swiftly declared himself available to replace Burns at short notice.

The UFC confirmed early Monday that the American was clear to face the welterweight champion for his title on Fight Island after testing negative for Covid-19 on Sunday.

However, there are still several major hurdles to overcome before the fight goes ahead on July 11. After flying to Abu Dhabi, Masvidal still has to quarantine and return three more negative COVID-19 tests before Saturday. 

There is also the small matter of making weight on Friday, having only agreed to fight the weekend before.

Usman won the welterweight title by beating Tyron Woodley and successfully defended it with a fifth-round knockout of Colby Covington in a brutal war in December, while Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz in November to take the symbolic BMF belt.

Masvidal is considered one of the most popular fighters in the sport, with many believing that he was the 2019 fighter of the year after he picked up impressive wins over Darren Till, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz.

In addition to the welterweight title fight, the card features Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2 for the featherweight title and Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the bantamweight title.