Report: UFC in negotiations for Usman vs. Masvidal at UFC 251

The UFC is negotiating to book Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal as the new main event at UFC 251 on July 11, according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

Glibert Burns was slated to face Usman, the welterweight champion, in a title fight in the main event, but he was forced from the card Friday after testing positive for COVID-19.

Masvidal's manager said earlier Saturday that the 35-year-old is "absolutely willing" to accept the Usman fight on just one week's notice. The Florida native was in negotiations with the UFC to challenge Usman for the welterweight belt, but the two sides were far apart, and the fight was offered to Burns.

The feud between Masvidal and Usman was on full display when they needed to be separated after a verbal exchange at the Super Bowl in February.

Usman tweeted "it might be time for the pig to squeal" earlier Saturday, and Masvidal's co-manager posted multiple Instagram stories of the fighter on the phone with the caption "negotiating."

Masvidal has developed into one of the sport's biggest talents, and he's recently picked up impressive victories over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz.