Kamaru Usman won't defend UFC title vs. Gilbert Burns on Dec. 12

ESPN's Ariel Helwani dropped a bombshell on Monday when he reported that Kamaru Usman (17-1-0) won't defend his UFC welterweight championship versus Gilbert Burns (19-3-0) in the UFC 256 main event on Dec. 12. 

Helwani added that Usman is recovering from undisclosed injuries. 

It's the second time a potential bout between Usman and Burns has been scrapped. Burns was pulled from the July UFC 251 show after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Jorge Masvidal replaced Burns on short notice but fell to Usman via unanimous decision. 

Burns hasn't competed since he defeated Tyron Woodley in late May. The 34-year-old has won his last six contests. 

As Helwani wrote, UFC boss Dana White could ask Stipe Miocic to defend his heavyweight championship against top contender and knockout artist Francis Ngannou. White has said that Ngannou will get the next shot at Miocic even though Jon Jones voluntarily relinquished the light heavyweight title to move to the heavyweight division in August. 

Miocic successfully defended his championship against Daniel Cormier in August. It's believed the 38-year-old could wait until next year to step back into the octagon. 

A fight between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington could also be set for UFC 256. 

Two-division champion Amanda Nunes is scheduled to defend her featherweight title versus Australian Megan Anderson at UFC 256. White may believe that bout doesn't carry enough star power to headline the show.