The coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt events in some form even months after sports organizations began canceling regular schedules. At present, certain UFC fighters are forced out of events as they have tested positive for the infectious coronavirus or have been grounded due to travel restrictions. In this regard, the UFC hasn’t suffered as there hasn’t been a shortage of fighters who have put their hand up to step in. UFC President Dana White commented on Jorge Masvidal stepping in at short notice for the UFC 251 main event.
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Dana White terms move by Jorge Masvidal as absolutely brilliant
In a chat with TMZ Sports, White likened the Jorge Masvidal situation to that of Justin Gaethje. He said, “It’s like the (Justin) Gaethje -Tony Ferguson fight. Gaethje saw the opportunity and took it. It was brilliant of Masvidal to slide in after Gilbert Burns tested positive.”
Gaethje accepted the fight with 2 weeks’ notice. However, he received a boost after UFC 249 got delayed by 3 weeks. However, ‘Gamebred’ will not be getting any such benefits and must be ready to go on July 11.
The UFC President commented on the original challenger in Gilbert Burns saying, “Gilbert Burns is the No. 1 ranked guy in the world. It was a great fight, it fell out.”
However, he hyped the newly created clash which is equally, if not more enticing to MMA fans across the globe. White said, “The fight the people want to see, the people’s fight, is this fight. it was absolutely brilliant of Masvidal to slide into this spot and take the fight.”
Finally, he ended by dismissing the swirling rumors about the negotiations having any issues with ‘Gamebred’s demands. Based on the deal, and the BMF Champion’s comments of him getting a sum close to what he wants, fans can assume that both sides are satisfied with the negotiations. White said, “Yeah, this is what we do, man. We’ve been doing this for 20 years. It’s all part of the deal.”
Jorge Masvidal will get a shot at a divisional UFC title in his 19th fight with the company. However, he needs to undergo a swift weight cut and prepare for ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’ Here, he will be at an advantage as Kamaru Usman had trained to fight ‘Durinho’ for over a month.
Will ‘Gamebred’ be able to secure a brilliant victory?
