Jorge Masvidal breaks a new record by signing for title clash against Kamaru Usman at UFC 251

UFC Welterweight Jorge Masvidal's decision to step in as a last-minute replacement to take on reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru in the headliner of UFC 251 has set "Gamebred" apart in the UFC.

With 48 pro MMA bouts during his 17-year MMA career, Masvidal has set the record for having the most number of fights inside before getting a UFC title shot. Masvidal's fight against Usman next Saturday at Fight Island will be his 49th foray inside the unforgiving cage. It took Jorge Masvidal longer than anyone in UFC history to get a shot at the much coveted UFC title, and even though "Gamebred" is taking a huge risk by taking the fight on a super short notice of just six days, expect him to throw everything inside the Octagon to make the opportunity count.

ESPN revealed the incredible state about Masvidal via its Twitter.

If Jorge Masvidal fights Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title at #UFC251 on Saturday, no fighter in UFC history would have had more career fights (48) before receiving their first title shot. @GamebredFighter has paid his dues

The word “if” was used above because the fight between Masvidal and Usman was not official until Masvidal returned a negative test for COVID-19. Now that Jorge Masvidal has tested negative for the coronavirus, he and Usman are on their way to Abu Dhabi from Las Vegas.

The past few days have been crazy for Jorge Masvidal in the last few days. Following Gilbert Burns' removal from the card after testing positive for COVID-19, the UFC ran from pillar to post to get a replacement. Jorge Masvidal was originally set to fight Usman for the belt at UFC 251 before failed contract negotiations opened up a huge opportunity for Burns. However, when Burns tested positive for the coronavirus, the UFC turned to Masvidal to save the day.