UFC 251 suffered its first setback late last night. This came after Gilbert Burns and 2 of his cornermen failed the first of 5 tests scheduled for all Fight Island competitors. As a result, the original main event got scrapped thereby disappointing many fans across the globe. However, when one door closes another may open and this may be the case for another challenger who was next in line. As per Ariel Helwani’s tweet, the UFC is in negotiations with Jorge Masvidal to fill in for the blockbuster matchup. 

Jorge Masvidal could be set for blockbuster return at UFC 251

The BMF Champion was set to be the next challenger for ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’ However, they never signed thereby depriving fans of an awesome on paper clash. In the meantime, ‘Durinho’ beat Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley in quick succession. These dominant wins saw him surge from 6th to 1st in the Welterweight rankings. 

Helwani’s report says that the 3rd ranked Welterweight fighter has successfully cleared the first test. However, this is reportedly an indicator that ‘Gamebred’ has no history with the coronavirus. 

The undefeated Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is keeping up with the latest developments. He took to Twitter and wrote, “Might be time for the Pig to squeal.”

Should the sides agree to a figure, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will claim a payday. Also, he will seek to extend his dominance at 170 lbs. Masvidal has been training regularly despite nearly 9 months of inactivity. Fans will be thankful for this as he can accept a fight at short notice and travel halfway across the world should things go smoothly. 

Given ‘Gamebred’s issues over pay and him wanting something in the range of his UFC 244 fight, fans may be apprehensive of it going ahead. However, they will retain a semblance of hope until either party says the negotiations are over with no middle ground reached. 

Should the clash get a stunning green signal, it will mark the first time either fighter has competed in 2020. Usman beat Colby Covington to retain his belt at UFC 245. Masvidal became the inaugural BMF Champion one PVP earlier. 

Do you see Jorge Masvidal stepping into the Octagon on the beach next Saturday?

Manager Gives an Update Regarding Jorge Masvidal Fighting at UFC 251