Kamaru Usman defeated former teammate Gilbert Burns via TKO at 34 seconds into the third round, defending his UFC welterweight title at UFC 258.
Teammates turned competitors
The narrative surrounding the highly anticipated title bout was Usman and Burns being teammates since 2012 at Sanford MMA in South Florida. Usman departed from the gym and began to work with Trevor Wittman in Colorado around May 2020. With the two having spent years sparring one another, sharpening their skills, fans wanted to know who got the better of one another in the training: Usman or Burns. Burns found success early in the fight, landing several hooks which knocked the champion off balance. Usman was familiar with Burns’ shots. Keeping his composure, “The Nigerian Nightmare” continued to find success with his jab, slowly chipping away his former teammate. Early into the third round, Usman’s well-timed jab put Burns on his back, and the following ground-and-pound from stacked guard was enough for referee Herb Dean to call the fight.
Masvidal rematch next?
During his octagon interview with commentator Joe Rogan, Usman expressed his interest in a rematch against Jorge Masvidal.
“Guess what? It’s not done! I’ll give you a whole training camp I guarantee you won’t sign on the dotted line because this time I’m gonna finish you’re a**,” said Usman at the end of the interview.
The first fight took place at UFC 251 in July, 2020, on six days’ notice after Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19. Usman soundly defeated Masvidal in a unanimous decision. Since the fight, Masvidal has been outspoken on Twitter and in interviews insisting with a proper training camp their next fight will yield a different result. UFC 251 reportedly had a buyrate of 1.3 million. One can only assume with more time for the UFC to promote the fight and both fighters to prepare, a rematch best business move for all parties.
Welterweight G.O.A.T. debate
The debate of greatest welterweight of all time became more interesting last night. Georges St-Pierre (GSP) currently reigns at the top. During his career, GSP put together a 12-fight win streak at welterweight, 12 welterweight title fight victories, with 9 consecutive title defenses. Last night Usman broke GSP’s record with 13 consecutive wins in the UFC welterweight division. The win over Burns marked 4 consecutive title victories and 3 title defenses. An argument can be made Usman must surpass GSP’s records to obtain G.O.A.T. status, yet the level of competition and manner in which Usman is finishing fights tip the scales in the current champ’s favor.
Quick Results
Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns by TKO in Round Three.
Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber by unanimous decision (29-28 3x)
Kelvin Gastelum def. Ian Heinisch by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 2x)
Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher by unanimous decision (30-27 3x)
Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo by submission (anaconda choke) in Round Three
Anthony Hernandez def. Rodolfo Vieira by submission (guillotine choke) in Round Two
Belal Muhammad def. Dhiego Lima by unanimous decision (30-27 3x)
Polyana Viana def. Mallory Martin by submission (armbar) in Round One
Chris Gutierrez def. Andre Ewell by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)
Gabe Green def. Phil Rowe by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 2x)
