Jorge Masvidal (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Now that Gilbert Burns can no longer fight Kamaru Usman at UFC 251, after testing positive for COVID-19, it’s being reported the promotion’s working to bring in Jorge Masvidal as a replacement.

Recently it was reported that Burns has tested positive for the virus, and as a result, he will not travel to Yas Island to face Usman, July 11th.

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani is reporting that talks are ongoing to sign Usman versus Masvidal. In a follow-up appearance on SportsCenter, Helwani said he’s been told talks are moving in the right direction to sign the fight.

Masvidal was initially, expected to fight Usman next. But, after negotiations to make the fight failed, ‘Gamebred’ publicly criticized the UFC and questioned the promotion’s compensation model.

The 35-year-old Masvidal (35-13) hasn’t fought since November, when he recorded a TKO win (due to doctor stoppage) over Nate Diaz.

The 33-year-old Usman (16-1) stopped Colby Covington in his last bout, which took place in December.