Jorge Masvidal steps in for Gilbert Burns after positive COVID-19 test

MANILA- Jorge Masvidal has officially stepped in for Gilbert Burns as a late replacement to challenge Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight world championship after Burns tested positive for COVID-19.

The showdown between the fan-favorite Masvidal and the reigning world champion is set to grace the main event of UFC 251 on July 11 at Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Masvidal was initially tapped to face Usman for the title, but negotiations fell through as the former expressed dissatisfaction with the prize money he was offered.

The development paved the way for Burns to fight Usman instead but was forced out of the fight after he acquired the virus together with his brother Herbert, coach Greg Jones, and training partner Aung La N Sang.

The incident placed Masvidal back into the title picture on a six-day notice and is now headed to Fight Island after testing negative for COVID-19.

In the co-main event, UFC featherweight world champion Alexander Volkanovski is slated to take on the former champ Max Holloway in a highly-anticipated rematch. — LA, GMA News