JORGE MASVIDAL has revealed he is "devastated" after losing his long-time cornerman for his fight against Kamaru Usman to coronavirus.

The American veteran, 35, is working hard to lose 20lbs for the UFC 251 clash on Fight Island after being called up at the last minute.

Masvidal – replacing Covid-19-stricken Gilbert Burns – said losing Mike Brown "sucks emotionally", as he's been a huge part of his team for so long.

He told ESPN: “It sucked emotionally just because I want him there when I get that belt.

"I needed this individual to be there because he’s a huge part of my career. He’s been there for such a long time.

"We’ve been friends for such a long time as well. It took the air from all of us.

“Every single one of me and my cornermen were devastated by it.

"Thank god, Mike doesn’t have any symptoms, nothing, any cold symptoms or sore throat or nothing. So he’s great right now.”

Despite not having his trainer present on Saturday night, Masvidal – who stopped off in Rome for pizza on his way to Fight Island – remains confident of beating Usman.

Masvidal revealed: “I’m going to baptise his a***.

"That’s a fact. That’s what you can bet on. That’s the secret sauce right there. I’m going to baptise him.

“I’m going to do it in violent fashion and I’m going to separate myself from the pack even more than I have in the past.”

Meanwhile, Brown himself said he was “heartbroken” at not being able to see Masvidal potentially win the world title.

Brown revealed: “I'm just heartbroken I’m not going to see Jorge win the world championship in person.

“Nobody deserves it more than this guy. Nobody has paid more dues.

"Jorge is also one of the most thoughtful athletes I’ve ever met. He makes everyone feel they are with him and a huge part of this journey.

“The truth is this guy has been honing his skills for more than 20 years and developed one of the highest fight IQs the sport has ever seen.

"As far as being Covid-19 positive, I feel good. The only pain I feel is in my heart”.

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