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UFC 251 has undergone a drastic change since the original main event between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns was cancelled. Enter Jorge Masvidal who will be stepping in on short notice for the coveted 170-pound strap against the ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’. The news comes as a shock to MMA fans considering the ongoing feud between ‘Gamebred’ and the UFC brass.

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UFC 251 Promo: Usman x Masvidal

The company president Dana White released a stunning trailer to preview the anticipated new main event.

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The 2019 Fighter of the year has been at odds with the promotion for over a month regarding pay. The dispute is what originally led to Gilbert ‘Durinho’ Burns stepping up to the plate. Here it should be mentioned that with wins over Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia, he was more than deserving.

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Masvidal is stylistically a problem for anyone in the weight class. The undisputed champion comes in with his Division 2 wrestling that is sure to test ‘Gamebred’s’ infamously high takedown defense. Not only is the star from Miami notoriously hard to take down, he has shown to possess dynamic Knockout power.

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How things came to be?

Gilbert Burns was originally booked to contest for the Welterweight title at Yas Fight Island in the main event slot. Fight fans were bereft at the news of the title main event cancellation.

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Burns would end up testing positive for COVID-19 just a week out of his scheduled bout for the gold strap. Not to mention his brother Herbert Burns and a cornerman would additionally test positive form the Burns camp. Additionally, Neither fighter left on the chartered plane for Abu Dhabi following the test announcement.

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Primarily it seemed as though Usman would potentially be slated against top challengers in Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington. Both Welterweight fighters are massive draws inside the promotion and would be a suitable replacement.

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A fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal has answered the prayers of fight fans who have called for the bout. Moreover It offers plenty in terms of intangibles and has brought new focus to UFC 251.

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Darryl Pinto

2,138 Articles

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer and editor at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Sport Business Management degree out of Humber College, Canada and has completed nearly 3 years with the organization. He has also served as the Head of Content for the MLB department. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live. Having competed in MMA at a collegiate level, he consciously attempts to integrate an athlete's breakdown of MMA techniques like striking, defense, and grappling into his penmanship of the sport as he seeks to give the reader a well-rounded point of view. Before becoming the lead MMA writer, Darryl has also written articles for the NFL and boxing divisions. He began watching UFC 11 years ago at UFC 117 when Chael Sonnen went to war against Anderson Silva.

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