ABU DHABI – Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal kept things professional, but certainly were intense in their lone faceoff ahead of UFC 251.
The coronavirus pandemic and short-notice nature of the fight meant no traditional build-up between Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) and Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC). They only had one chance to come face-to-face before stepping in the octagon, and it came following Friday’s official UFC 251 weigh-ins, where both hit the welterweight mark.
Usman and Masvidal jawed a little back-and-forth until UFC president Dana White told them to move along. Now all that’s left is for them to meet inside the octagon and determine who will be the welterweight champion.
UFC 251 takes place Saturday at Flash Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Usman vs. Masvidal headlines the pay-per-view main card, which follows prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
Watch the complete video of the Usman vs. Masvidal staredown ahead of UFC 251 above.
