Kamaru Usman has withdrawn from his title bout with Gilbert Burns on December 12 due to nagging injuries, and their bout will be rescheduled.
Per Ariel Helwani of ESPN, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has withdrawn from his bout with Gilbert Burns for December 12. That’s due to needing time to recover from undisclosed injuries. The fight is expected to take place at a later date in 2021.
Usman (17-1) is currently riding a division best 12 fight win streak that includes winning the championship against Tyron Woodley. Plus back-to-back title defenses against top contenders Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. Usman was originally set to fight Burns in July but Burns was forced to withdraw a week out from the fight due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Burns (19-3) has been one of the top fighters of 2020 with high profile victories over Demian Maia and former champion Woodley that propelled him to his title opportunity against Usman. Burns most recently fought against Woodley in May. Prior to the booking for the title, there was debate as to whether Burns or fellow surging contender Leon Edwards would be next for Usman.
Currently, the UFC 256 card is still set to feature a featherweight championship bout with Amanda Nunes taking on Megan Anderson. The report states that the UFC is exploring options including Jorge Masvidal vs Colby Covington and a heavyweight title fight between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou as well.
Guess it’s time for another look at potential main events.
