JORGE MASVIDAL is "absolutely willing" to step in and face Kamaru Usman at UFC 251, according to his manager.
Usman, 33, was due to take on Gilbert Burns at the event on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
But before being flown across, the Brazilian tested positive for coronavirus so was forced to pull out.
His bout with welterweight king Usman was due to headline the event – but now fans could still be in for a treat.
Masvidal's manager, Abraham Kawa, revealed his man is ready to fill the void at short notice.
He told ESPN the American is "absolute willing" even though fight night is just a week away – while negotiations are thought to still be active.
Kawa also shared a picture on his Instagram story of Masvidal on the phone with the caption "negotiating" before further footage of the fighter having a Covid-19 test done.
Usman also appears to be up for the challenge, tweeting: "Might be time for the Pig to squeal," referring to his rival.
Masvidal, 35, had failed to arrange a deal with Usman for their UFC showdown, paving the way for Burns to swoop.
Gamebred has publicly slammed UFC president Dana White since over what they pay fighters as he revealed they wanted him to take a cut to fight Usman in the Middle East.
However, he dropped another huge hint he is ready to step into the cage at short notice as he tweeted a picture outlining the meaning of his nickname.
It said: “Gamebred is an animal that has been bred to be game.”
Ex-title contender Colby Covington has also offered to step in as Burns' replacement as he looks for a rematch against Usman.
Despite the main event now being in chaos, UFC 251 still has two other championship clashes.
Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with former featherweight king Max Holloway is now expected to top the card.
And Jose Aldo and Petr Yan will battle for the vacant bantamweight belt.
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