“Rarely Seen” – Ariel Helwani Heaps Praise on Dana White for His “Brilliant Way” of Selling the Jorge Masvidal vs Gilbert Burns Fight at UFC 287

UFC 287 is right around the corner as Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal will be fighting in the co-main event of the evening. Both fighters appeared at the pre-fight press conference for the event this weekend when Dana White addressed the future of the winner of this fight with regard to Colby Covington’s title shot. Combat sports journalist also Ariel Helwani shared his reaction to the incident.

Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal both need a win to become a contender for the welterweight title. However, both fighters believe that they need to come up with a special performance that would help them surpass Colby Covington in order to become the favorable contender in Dana White’s eyes. But Dana White had some other opinions that Burns and ‘Gamebred’ disagreed with.

Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal boo Dana White after his Colby Covington stance

The UFC president maintained his stance that ‘Chaos’ deserved to be challenged for the title. He said, “Colby Covington, like him or not, the guy showed up in London [UFC 286], he cut weight, he did what he was supposed to do. He deserves the fight against Leon [Edwards].” This statement prompted boos from both Burns and Masvidal.

However, he did not downplay the probability that either of the two co-main eventers of UFC 287 could get a title shot in the future. “There’s no doubt. We’ll see how this fight turns out on Saturday night, and the best-case scenario [is] one of these guys is next,” said White.

Did the UFC president impress Ariel Helwani?

Dana White’s way of handling the situation was addressed by the media personality on Twitter. He shared his thoughts, but knowing White and Helwani’s relationship, it could be a sarcastic dig as well.

Helwani tweeted: “You have to admire and respect this level of de-motion rather than pro-motion. Rarely seen. Brilliant way to sell a fight IMO.”

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Burns and Masvidal are two of the most entertaining and explosive fighters in the UFC. Fans can hope to see both fighters put on a clinic this weekend. We will have to wait and see what follows.

What are your thoughts on Dana White’s comments? Who are you rooting for at UFC 287? Let us know in the comments down below.

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