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UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal. USA TODAY Network/SIPA USA/PA Images

Jorge Masvidal steps in to take UFC title shot on six days' notice

He’ll aim to dethrone welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

THE UFC CONFIRMED overnight that Jorge Masvidal (35-13) will challenge Kamaru Usman (16-1) in the new main event at UFC 251.

Masvidal has been drafted in to take on the welterweight champion in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night as a result of the withdrawal of Gilbert Burns, who tested positive for Covid-19.

Having passed a test after travelling to Las Vegas from his home in Miami, Masvidal will depart for the United Arab Emirates today.

Prior to the scheduling of the Burns bout, Masvidal was expected to be the next challenger to Usman’s title until contract negotiations broke down with the UFC.

However, in his 19th outing under the organisation’s umbrella, the 35-year-old is finally set to compete for a bona fide championship.

Masvidal, who made his mixed martial arts debut in 2003, is a veteran of 48 professional fights. His popularity has risen considerably in recent times, aided by a streak of wins over Darren Till, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz (doctor stoppage).

The clash of Usman and Masvidal is one of three title fights set to take place at Saturday night’s behind-closed-doors event.

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his belt in a rematch with Max Holloway, while the vacant bantamweight strap will be at stake when Petr Yan faces Jose Aldo.

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    Mute Patrick McHugh
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    Jul 6th 2020, 8:08 AM

    Finally… this is the fight that everybody wanted in the first place but the UFC dug their heels in cause they dont want to pay their fighters their fair due.

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    Mute Robert O Farrell
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    Jul 6th 2020, 8:20 AM

    Should be a really good scrap between these two- nice clash of styles and a bit of genuine needle thrown in also. I hope Masvidal can catch him early although I’d fear that the bigger stronger Usman will drag him down the the ground and maul him.

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    Mute Thomas Rowe
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    Jul 6th 2020, 7:35 PM

    3 potentially great fights, would have been amazing if fought in front of a sell out arena..

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    Mute Paddy D
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    Jul 7th 2020, 7:15 AM

    usman gonna show wrestling 101 against especially because no training camp fair play to Jorge for stepping up

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