UFC Fight Island: Jorge Masvidal steps in to face Kamaru Usman at UFC 251

The UFC confirmed early Monday that the American was clear to face the welterweight champion for his title in Abu Dhabi

Jorge Masvidal during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden in New York. AFP

Jorge Masvidal during his fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 244. AFP

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal grapple during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal clash during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

US President Donald Trump, flanked by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, watches UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. AFP

Dwane "The Rock" Johnson holds the belt for the welterweight bout between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

US President Donald Trump next to former Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran. AFP

US President Donald Trump talks with former Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran as he arrives. AFP

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal clinch during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal clash during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal clash during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden.

Jorge Masvidal lands blows on Nate Diaz during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. AFP

Nate Diaz during his fight with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. AFP

Nate Diaz during his fight with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. AFP

Nate Diaz during his fight with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. AFP

Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock prepares to present the BMF belt after the fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Reuters

US President Donald Trump watches UFC 244. Reuters

A Secret Service agent maintains watch as US President Donald Trump watches UFC 244. Reuters

Nate Diaz has blood washed off his face during his UFC 244 bout against Jorge Masvidal. AFP

Dwayne Johnson puts the BMF belt on Jorge Masvidal after he defeated Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Reuters

Eric Trump, right, sits next to his father US President Donald Trump to watch UFC 244. AFP

Jorge Masvidal is awarded the belt by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson after his victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 244. AFP

Eric Trump, left, Donald Trump Jr., centre, join their father Donald Trump to watch UFC 244. AFP

Jorge Masvidal will take on Kamaru Usman in the headline bout at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, in a remarkable turn of events.

The UFC confirmed early Monday that the American was clear to face the welterweight champion for his title on Fight Island after testing negative for Covid-19 on Sunday.

Gilbert Burns was initially slated to fight Usman, but the Brazilian had to withdraw on Saturday having tested positive before leaving for the UAE.

Masvidal agreed to take the clash on six days’ notice and will now fly to Abu Dhabi on Monday, as will Usman. However, the two, who have been involved in a high-profile feud for some time, are understood to be flying on different planes.

It means UFC 251, the opening event of four on Yas Island this month, is back to featuring three world title fights on what is an incredibly stacked card. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski's defends his belt in a rematch against former champion Max Holloway, while Petr Yan and Jose Aldo battle for the vacant bantamweight crown.

All four events - UFC 251, then Fight Nights on July 16, 19 and 26 - take place at Flash Forum.