Dana White clarifies on Jorge Masvidal: Kamaru Usman fight No. 1, but Conor McGregor possible

UFC president Dana White is weighing all options for Jorge Masvidal, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a welterweight title fight with champion Kamaru Usman won’t be next.

White recently stated another “interesting” option is on the table for Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC). Whether there are other possibilities or not, White still thinks Masvidal vs. Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) is the fight to make.

White provided some clarity on the situation during a Monday appearance on the “Menace and The Man Show” podcast.

“No, the Usman fight is the fight that makes sense,” White said. “It’s the fight that needs to happen if Masvidal wants a title shot. But there’s another interesting fight out there for him right now.”

When asked if a “BMF” title defense on “Fight Island” against former UFC dual champion Conor McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) could be an option, White did not rule it out.

“(That’s a) very good point,” White said. “That’s a possibility, too.”

Only time will tell who’s next for Masvidal, White said in an earlier interview. There are still a lot of moving parts. White indicated the promotion is focused on its events May 9, 13 and 16, all of which take place in Jacksonville, Fla.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic leading to the postponement of the upcoming UFC schedule, all signs pointed to Usman vs. Masvidal as a potential matchup for UFC 252 on July 11. The event was supposed to coincide with the annual “International Fight Week,” which White has since said will likely be canceled.