Jorge Masvidal returns against Gilbert Burns in co-main event of UFC 287

Jorge Masvidal is back in action.

The former multiple time UFC title challenger and BMF champion has been booked for a return to the octagon, as he’s set to take on Gilbert Burns in a key welterweight matchup. The bout will serve as the co-main event for UFC 287 on April 8.

The event takes place in Miami and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. A venue was not announced.

UFC president Dana White revealed the news on Friday evening. Also, on that card, Alex Pereira defends his title in an immediate rematch against Israel Adesanya in the main event.

Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) hasn’t fought since March 2022 when he lost a unanimous decision to Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 272. Prior to that, Masvidal had a pair of back to back defeats to then champion Kamaru Usman.

“Gamebred” has a pending legal case stemming from his alleged attack on Covington back in March in Miami Beach. He faces charges on single counts of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and criminal mischief. If found guilty, Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is coming off a quick submission win over Neil Magny last Saturday at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prior to that, he competed in a barnburner against Khamzat Chimaev in April 2022. Although he lost the bout, Burns’ stock skyrocketed after taking the dominant, unbeaten star to the brink. That was Burns’ only fight in 2022.