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.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
