UFC 251: Jorge Masvidal passes Covid-19 test to make Kamaru Usman replacement fight official

‘Gamebred’ Masvidal takes ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman on six days’ notice as the pair prepare to fly to Abu Dhabi

President White posts new promo while ESPN’s Helwani explains there are still three more tests to complete

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UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal gets into a verbal altercation with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at Media Row during Super Bowl week in Miami, Florida in January. Photo: Handout

Published: 2:12pm, 6 Jul 2020Updated: 9:16pm, 6 Jul 2020

Jorge Masvidal has passed his Covid-19 test and is officially scheduled to face Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 on Fight Island, Abu Dhabi this weekend.

“Gamebred” Masvidal’s manager teased that the “BMF” champion was “negotiating” for the replacement fight on Sunday, with UFC president Dana White releasing the new, makeshift fight promo on Monday.

Welterweight champion Usman’s (16-1) original opponent, Gilbert Burns, was whisked off the card on Friday after he and two cornermen tested positive for Covid-19. The event headliner looked in jeopardy until Masvidal (35-13) stepped in on six days’ notice.

“Jorge Masvidal passed his Covid-19 test. He will be leaving for Abu Dhabi tomorrow. As a result, the UFC has officially announced the Usman vs Masvidal fight on its social channels,” tweeted ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, who confirmed negotiations were “done” in quick fashion.

Helwani explained that despite having completed “three massive obstacles”, the pair must now be safely transported to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and repeat multiple testing procedures before entering the Octagon.

“Next: Fly to Abu Dhabi, Take 2nd Covid test at hotel/quarantine/pass, Take 3rd Covid test/quarantine/pass, Make weight Friday, Take 4th Covid test/quarantine/pass after weigh-ins, Fight,” he said.

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