In the main event of UFC 261, we saw the rematch the world has been waiting for. The welterweight champion of the world Kamaru Usman (18-1) took on Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-14). These two men first met last year at UFC 251.
That night Kamaru Usman walked away with a decision victory. However, the circumstances surrounding the matchup have created doubt in who is truly the better man. When 2020 started, the UFC was trying to book the welterweight title fight between Usman and Masvidal.
However, after contract negotiations went south with Masvidal, the UFC shifted to Gilbert Burns. A week before the fight, Burns tested positive for COVID and the UFC went back to Masvidal. The fight was on six days notice which has created a lot of doubt around the outcome of the first fight.
Could Kamaru Usman beat Gamebred when Masvidal has a full camp? These doubts and questions are why the UFC champion called Masvidal out after his last fight. Despite winning the first fight, Usman wasn’t happy with the decision. With that, tonight’s rematch came into focus.
UFC 261 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 261 main event started unsurprisingly with no touch of the gloves. Masvidal moves forward with pressure and takes the center of the cage. Usman looks to land his jab early. A couple of low kicks land for Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal very light on his feet early.
Usman pushes forward and lands a very solid right straight. Masvidal smiles but that was a big shot from the UFC champion. Solid body shot lands for Usman. Body kick and a left hook lands for Masvidal. Another big shot lands for Masvidal, but Usman lands a big takedown.
Halfway through the round and Usman goes to work inside Gamebred’s guard. Masvidal looking to land elbows from his back, but the pressure is heavy from Usman. Big elbow lands for Kamaru Usman. Masvidal lands some back elbows and uses the fence to stand up.
Masvidal is able to separate with one minute left. A huge right hand and power jab land for the UFC champion. Two huge leg kicks land for Masvidal. Masvidal blitzes and lands a couple of good shots. The round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Usman at UFC 261.
Round 2
The second round begins and Masvidal goes back to the leg kicks. The UFC champion appears to be trying to time a big shot early in the second. Another good kick for Masvidal connects. Masvidal swings wild and Usman counters with a massive right hand. Another huge right hand lands for Usman and Gamebred is out cold. Case closed, Kamaru Usman is the best in the world.
Kamaru Usman def. Jorge Masvidal by KO – Round 2