According to numerous reports, Gilbert Burns has been forced out of Saturday’s UFC 251 main event with Kamaru Usman.
Burns, and members of his corner, tested positive for coronavirus. They were set to depart for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for the special “Fight Island” event this past weekend.
The UFC is looking to try and keep Usman on to defend his welterweight title. They are reported to be working with Jorge Masvidal and his team to arrange a bout for the event.
Breaking: UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman (@USMAN84kg), will defend his title against Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter), who is stepping in to fight on one week notice at UFC 251 on July 11 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, per Dana White and additional sources. pic.twitter.com/bL2ggGr2aN
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPM) July 5, 2020
It's just gotta happen ? #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/3p7jCIaK8N
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 5, 2020
UFC 251 also features Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Max Holloway and Petr Yan meeting Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight belt.
We will keep you updated on the latest news regarding the event right here on FightLine on The Mix.
Gilbert Burns has been removed from his UFC 251 main event bout against Kamaru Usman, a source confirmed to ESPN.
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/PZpRgvlols
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 4, 2020
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