UFC Usman vs Burns?

In UFC it’s tough to call a winner ahead of time. It’s all about who’s in the best form on the day. Sometimes it’s just a lucky shot that seals the deal, or an unfortunate hit and miss that gives your opponent the upper edge. In the latest UFC snafu, the highly-anticipated title bout between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns is off.

It may sound like bad news for UFC betting enthusiasts, but we've got you covered right here at 888sport NJ. Read on, for potential replacement contenders!

News recently broke that Gilbert Burns Durinho’s entire fight corner is battling coronavirus infection and because of this, the fight was called off without a punch having been thrown.

With so much uncertainty in and out of the ring, it’s good to know that fight fans across the Garden State can count on our expert ringside commentators and sports betting experts at 888sport NJ.

Let’s pull back the curtains on the fighting pedigree of Kamaru Usman and then take a look at Gilbert Burns Durinho, before we scrutinize possible contenders in Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. UFC 251 was slated for Saturday 11 July 2020 with Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns as the Main Event draw. Here’s a snapshot of each contender’s fight record:

Kamaru Usman – Impressive Fight Credentials

Kamaru Usman is known as the Nigerian Nightmare. His impeccable record is the stuff of legend, with 16 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws. This welterweight title bout was set to feature the 170 pound Usman with a reach of 76 inches and a leg reach of 41 inches. 40% of his wins are by KO/TKO, 7% by submission, and 53% by decision.

His average fight time is 16 minutes 40 seconds, and his knock down average per 15 minutes is 0.41. He lands an average of 4.6 strikes per minute, with 52% significant strikes, and 2.17 absorbed per minute. His grappling takedown averages 3.44 per 15 minutes, with a takedown accuracy of 50%, and a takedown defense of 100%.

His grappling submission average per 15 minutes 0.16.

Gilbert Burns Durinho – #1 Worthy Contender Relegated

Gilbert Burns of Brazil brings plenty of fanfare to the ring. His fight record reads 19 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. At a height of 5'10", and a weight of 155 pounds, he’s a shorter and stockier fighter with plenty of power in his strikes. Burns has a reach of 71 inches, and a leg reach of 40 inches. 33% of his wins come by KO/TKO, 44% by submission, and 22% by decision.

His average fight time is significantly less than his opponent in Kamaru Usman, at 11 minutes 17 seconds, and an average knockdown per 15 minutes of 0.35. In terms of his significant strikes, he lands 3.15 per minute, and 40% of the strikes are significant. He absorbs 2.74 strikes per minute, with a defense at 56%.

In terms of grappling takedown averages per 15 minutes, his number is 2.21, with a takedown accuracy of 37% and a takedown defense of 50%. His submission average per 15 minutes is 0.71. Overall, Gilbert Burns is less impressive on paper, but equally dangerous in the ring.

Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington – A Possible Challenger?

Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington has all the credentials to be a champion. With a #2 ranking in the welterweight division, Covington boasts a fight record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws. As a talented mixed martial artist, Covington boasts a 7 fight win streak, with 4 wins by submission, and 8 by way of decision.

While his striking accuracy is somewhat low at just 38%, his grappling accuracy is much better at 52%. In his last 3 fights, he performed as follows:

* Usman vs Covington – LOSS in Round 5 by way of KO/TKO
* Covington vs Lawler – WIN in Round 5 by way of Decision
* Dos Anjos vs Covington – WIN in Round 5 by way of Decision

Is Jorge Masvidal Ready to Step Up to the Plate?

Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal is the #3 contender in the welterweight division. He has been fighting for a long time, with 35 wins, 13 losses, and 0 draws. He's certainly not on a hot streak at the moment, with just 3 fight wins on the trot, and 15 wins by way of knockout, and 2 by submission.

His striking accuracy is pretty healthy at 48%, and his grappling accuracy at 52% is also on the high side. Born and bred in Miami, this 35-year-old fighter has a height of 71 inches, a weight of 156 pounds, and a leg reach of 39.5 inches.

He debuted eight years ago on July 15, 2012, and has been fighting fit ever since.

His last 3 event results read as follows:

* Masvidal vs Diaz – WIN in Round 3 by way of KO/TKO
* Masvidal vs Askren – WIN in Round 1 by way of KO
* Till vs Masvidal – WIN in Round 2 by way of KO/TKO

UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi will not feature the Main Event fight card between Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns. What is more likely to happen come Saturday is that another event will get pushed up as the Main Event for UFC/MMA fans to bet on.

No doubt, Colby Covington is chomping at the bit to get involved, and throw down some massive punches and kicks, but UFC head Dana White has yet to give the green light.

Nonetheless, UFC 251 features a highly anticipated rematch between Volkanovski vs Holloway, and Yan vs Aldo. All bets are on the table for those glorious fight fest to kick into high gear!

*Photo by John Locher and AP