UFC251 Fight Island Usman vs Masvidal

UFC 251 Fight Island Main Event Betting Preview: Kamaru Usman versus Jorge Masvidal

Kamaru Usman was originally booked to defend his UFC Welterweight Championship against Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC 251. But with Burns forced off of the card due to a positive test for COVID-19, Jorge Masvidal has stepped into the main event slot this Saturday night in Abu Dhabi on just six days’ notice. While a Burns versus Usman main event would have been a thriller in its own right, UFC fans aren’t complaining about this dream matchup coming together.

Kamaru Usman UFC251 Betting Info

Since picking up a loss in just the second fight of his professional career back in 2013, Kamaru Usman (16-1) is a perfect 15-0 over his last 15 fights including an 11-0 record in the UFC. Usman snapped Tyron Woodley’s seven-fight unbeaten streak to win the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 235 and successfully defended his title with a knockout win over Colby Covington at UFC 245. The welterweight champion is an elite wrestler and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the industry.

UFC251 Jorge Masvidal Betting Info

Jorge Masvidal (35-13) lost back-to-back fights in 2017 to Demian Maia and Stephen Thompson. He returned to the Octagon after a 16-month layoff in March of 2019 and has seen his stock skyrocket since, picking up three straight knockout wins over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz (doctor’s stoppage). Masvidal’s five-second flying knee knockout of Ben Askren was the fastest KO in UFC history and one of the biggest MMA highlights of 2019.

Usman vs Masvidal UFC251 Betting Matchup

It’s tough to handicap how the fight coming together on such short notice will affect these two fighters, who both deserve credit for taking a bout against such a dangerous opponent under the circumstances. Some argue that the late change favors Masvidal as Usman has been preparing for a completely different opponent, while others argue that Usman should be in much better fight-shape given Masvidal’s short time to prepare. These factors are interesting to ponder, but Usman’s high fight IQ and Masvidal’s work ethic in the gym should help offset the difficulties both men are facing.

Fight Island UFC 251 Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal Betting Tips

Masvidal is a popular upset pick in this one, and for good reason. He’s an explosive wild card of a fighter and he has nothing to lose after taking this fight without a proper camp. But while Masvidal’s power and takedown defense make him a legitimate threat to Usman, it’s hard to pick against the champion at the current price. Usman’s wrestling skills will likely be too much for Masvidal to overcome. This will be a competitive main event and Usman may even run into a few scary moments, but his ground should carry him to a win

UFC251 Fight Island Main Event Prediction