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Jorge Masvidal has confirmed UFC officials made a final attempt to have him challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 251 before shifting gears to Gilbert Burns.

Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC) and UFC brass, particularly company president Dana White, have been engaged in something of a feud in recent weeks stemming from the attempt to book the anticipated championship bout with Usman.

The talks eventually fell apart, with Masvidal claiming he was offered less money than he made for his November win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 to challenge Usman. He’s since vocalized his opinion on how the UFC unfairly treats fighters, both in terms of revenue and contract negotiations. White has countered by pointing to Masvidal’s existing deal, and how it’s on “Gamebred” to honor the terms.

Just before Burns signed on to take Masvidal’s place in the July 11 title fight in Abu Dhabi, the UFC reached out in a final attempt to get a deal done. ESPN reported that the offer was for the same money Masvidal made for the bout with Diaz, but at that point the fighter’s discontent reached a point where he wasn’t satisfied.

White said on Friday “it’s not a surprise” the bout didn’t come to fruition, and on Sunday, Masvidal answered with a series of posts on social media stating that he didn’t feel the UFC was working “in good faith” (via Twitter):

I feel bad for Dana. He is just a promoter but he isn’t doing the deals with us

I already explained why I signed a new deal. It’s either take it or leave it and not get paid. I would’ve signed another deal if it was done in good faith. He called me night before he wants to announce and tell me take or it leave it. That’s not negotiating that’s strong arming

And for the #whiteknights that have commentating jobs with the ufc that say “just fight” you guys should be embarrassed to call yourselves current/former fighters. Not one of you been doing it as long as me and like me. There’s a reason you are “commentating”

The future now remains uncertain for Masvidal, who was MMA Junkie’s 2019 “Breakout Fighter of the Year” after stopping Diaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till in consecutive fights. His frustrations don’t appear to be lessoning, and White has dug his heels in on his stance, telling Masvidal to call the matchmakers when he’s ready to fight.