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Jorge Masvidal is the next challenger for Kamaru Usman’s welterweight crown and that fight will likely take place at International Fight Week in Las Vegas, according to Dana White.
Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal is close to being finalized.
UFC President Dana White broke the news to Jim Rome on the Jim Rome Show that Usman vs. Masvidal is being planned for International Fight Week in Las Vegas. This year’s International Fight Week is currently scheduled for July 7 to July 12, so Usman vs. Masvidal will likely headline a UFC pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, July 11.
“Were going to bring him to Vegas,” White said of Masvidal during Radio Row at the Super Bowl. “So him and Usman will fight in Vegas, probably International Fight Week. And then if he [Masvidal] wins, maybe we’ll do his first title defense down here in Miami.”
Usman (16-1) is coming off a Fight of the Year contender with nemesis Colby Covington. “The Nigerian Nightmare” won by fifth-round TKO in the first defense of his title, which he won by dominating Tyron Woodley last March.
Masvidal (35-13) is riding a three-fight win streak punctuated by a third-round doctor stoppage against Nate Diaz for the BMF title. This will be the first UFC title bout of Masvidal’s career, and his first title matchup since losing by decision to Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce lightweight belt back in 2011.