Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns headlines UFC 251 on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi

MMA News
Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns headlines UFC 251 on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi

“Fight Island’s” first event will be headlined by a UFC welterweight title fight – and not the one that was expected.

Champion Kamaru Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) will defend against Gilbert Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the main event of UFC 251, Dana White  announced Tuesday on ESPN’s “First Take.”

UFC 251 will take place on July 11 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the promotion officially announced.

Usman last competed at UFC 245, when he stopped Colby Covington late in Round 5 for his first title defense. He was expected to face No. 1 contender Jorge Masvidal, but Masvidal has been involved in recent rift with the UFC over contract negotiations, opening the door for Burns.

Since moving up to 170 pounds, Burns has gone 4-0, most recently dominating former champ Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 9 on May 30.

With the addition, the current lineup includes:

Champ Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns – for welterweight title
Champ Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway – for featherweight title
Jose Aldo vs. Petr Yan – for vacant bantamweight title
Amanda Ribas vs. Paige VanZant
Frankie Edgar vs. Pedro Munhoz
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane
Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka

Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns headlines UFC 251 on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi