Kamaru Usman will defend his UFC Welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal on Saturday at UFC 251 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The promotion announced the fight at midnight Monday.
Both fighters reportedly arrived in Las Vegas on Sunday, where they took their coronavirus test and then quarantine while awaiting the results. They will be leaving Las Vegas for Abu Dhabi later Monday.
Sources say Usman will be on a charter flight, and Masvidal will fly on a private jet.
OFFICIAL. 🏆
— UFC (@ufc) July 6, 2020
🤬 The BMF steps in on six days notice for #UFC251 @VisitAbuDhabi #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/eNq5CZMTTM
Masvidal – victorious over Nate Diaz in October to take the symbolic BMF belt – had initially turned down the chance to face Usman.
But talks with White after Burns’ withdrawal convinced him to step in and take his shot at Usman on July 11.
The fighters have already made their way to Las Vegas on a charter plane, where they are to undergo coronavirus tests before flying on to Abu Dhabi.
UFC President Dana White released a stunning trailer to preview the anticipated new main event.
👊🏻👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/u83Thd20CJ
— danawhite (@danawhite) July 5, 2020
In addition to the welterweight title fight, the card features Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2 for the featherweight title and Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the bantamweight title.
