Things are getting exciting in the welterweight division as Jorge Masvidal is willing to take on Kamaru Usman on short notice.
The main event of UFC 251 was cancelled after the challenger, Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19. And that leaves a question among the fans. Will Kamaru Usman defend his title against a replacement? If yes then who can it be?
The welterweight division does have some worthy contenders who can give a tough challenge to Kamaru Usman. Colby Covington has been rallying for a rematch with Kamaru Usman ever since UFC 245. Leon Edwards is waiting for a title shot with an incredible winning streak.
However, Jorge Masvidal seems to be the first choice that comes to mind. After all, Masvidal was the number one contender before the nasty contract negotiation with UFC.
Masvidal was on the golden streak after three impressive performances in UFC. He beat Darren Till with a brutal knockout, he ended Ben Askren’s streak with a more brutal knockout, and he put on a beating on Nate Diaz. UFC president, Dana White was looking forward to booking the title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
However, UFC and Jorge Masvidal did not look eye to eye when it came to negotiations for the fight. Jorge Masvidal even went on to say that he will only enter the octagon if the price is right.
Masvidal is indeed a huge name in the sport right now. He is an attraction. So there is no doubt that fans are going to tune in if he takes on Kamaru Usman fro the title. However, UFC is already struggling with no gates and the overhead expenses due to COVID-19.
It is already hard enough for UFC to put on regular shows while other major sports organizations still don’t have a proper plan to deal with this situation. Keeping that in mind, Jorge Masvidal asking a hike in his contract might not seem suitable.
Jorge Masvidal willing to do what a BMF does
But as per recent reports, Masvidal is ready to take on the Nigerian Nightmare at UFC 251. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani stated that Jorge Masvidal is absolutely willing to take the fight on a week’s notice.
Earlier, Masvidal reacted to the cancelation of the welterweight title fight in a cryptic fashion where he posted:
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) July 4, 2020
UFC 251 is going to be a massive event with or without the fight of Kamaru Usman. It’s the first PPV on fight island and its main card if full of exciting high profile fights. But it can not be denied that Jorge Masvidal stepping into the octagon on fight island would be a thriller.
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