- Dana White promised that whoever wins this fight is the next opponent for Gilbert Burns.
- The Brazilian had to withdraw from this event because he tested positive for COVID-19.
- The UFC 251 features three title bouts, with the headline between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal, the other two are for the bantamweight and the featherweight belt.
Burns to Await the Winner of UFC 251 Headliner
Durinho, as the fans call him, was planned to fight Kamaru Usman at the upcoming spectacle in Abu Dhabi. He was the No.1 contender after defeating Tyron Woodley, in a match that saw the Brazilian dominating from the start until the end.
After this event, many believed that he has what it takes to interrupt Usman’s 15-match winning streak and dethrone him. Yet, even though everything was planned, a higher power prevented Burns to meet Usman. He was tested positive for COVID-19 and had to back out from the competition, leaving his spot empty. Jorge Masvidal would later jump in to replace Burns, who missed his chance to fight for the big prize.
Still, Dana White stated something which put back the smile on the faces of all Burns’ fans and him as well. The UFC president revealed that whoever wins Saturday’s match will have to fight Durinho because he is the No.1 contender.
“He’s the No. 1 contender,” White told. “He’s the No. 1 ranked guy in the world. Yeah – he’s the No. 1 guy in the world. The kid is hungry. He wants to fight. He wants to be a world champion – and he’s No. 1. Yeah, that puts him in a pretty good spot.”
It is a reasonable decision of the organization, that showed that they have certain criteria that can’t be broken. Also, it implies that there isn’t a rematch involved in Masvidal’s deal for this event. Many were speculating that because of all the circumstances and a six-day notice, Gamebred would demand to have a rematch included. That would be a solid deal for the UFC as well, because of the popularity and attention these two guys create.
Two More Title Fights at the UFC 251
Henry Cejudo‘s retirement created a gap in the bantamweight division. This category doesn’t have a champion anymore, and the UFC organized a match which would solve that problem.
The veteran Jose Aldo will take on the rising star and one of the most talented fighters in the entire UFC, Petr Yan. The Russian is the favorite according to the bookies, yet that doesn’t have to mean anything with Aldo involved.
His experience could bring him another title, and stun all the oddsmakers who aren’t favoring him at all.
Alexander Volkanovski is also a solid favorite against Max Holloway. The two are about to meet in the rematch of the co-main event at the UFC 245 when the Australian took the featherweight championship belt form the Blessed. The bookies predict him another win, but with Holloway, who is one of the biggest names in UFC history, things aren’t going to be that easy.
The main card is set for July 11, at 10 pm ET.
