The “BMF” champion will face welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (16-1) at UFC 251 next weekend at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, multiple sources told MMA Fighting. Masvidal, who has to pass a COVID-19 test first, will step in as a late-notice replacement for Gilbert Burns, who was announced as having tested positive for the virus late Friday evening.
For now, this booking appears to have put a pause on the public conflict between Masvidal and the UFC over his compensation. “Gamebred” previously stated that he was offered a title shot, but was unhappy with the proposed payout as it would be less than what he was paid for his main event clash with Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November.