In the main event of UFC 258, the welterweight title was on the line. The Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman (17-1), was set to defend his title against his former teammate and top contender, Gilbert Burns (19-3).
If you were going to build the perfect opponent for Kamaru Usman, it would be Gilbert Burns. Burns is a world champion in Jiu Jitsu and he has incredibly fast and powerful strikes on the feet. Since moving to the UFC‘s welterweight division, he’s looked like a killer.
Burns is undefeated at welterweight and he’s earned his shot at the title. While Burns has looked sensational, he had a tall mountain to climb tonight. Heading into his third title defense, Kamaru Usman’s name is already being mentioned with the all-time greats.
Usman’s relentless style and incredible pressure have made him a force in the UFC. He’s started his career inside the octagon at 12-0 and he was looking to tie Georges St. Pierre’s record of consecutive wins with a successful title defense at UFC 258.
UFC 258 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 258 main event got underway with no touch of the gloves after an intense staredown. Burns pushes forward immediately with big shots. Usman looked composed on the outside. Big body kick lands for Gilbert Burns.
A massive right hand drops Usman and Burns is all over him. The speed of Gilbert Burns is astonishing. Usman has regained his composure but he eats a head kick. However, Burns slips and lands on his back.
Usman was hesitant to jump in to the jiu jitsu champion’s guard. The UFC champion looked recovered and he kept throwing thigh kicks to the downed Burns. Burns gets back up and immediately lands a big knee.
Usman was moving forward with his own pressure. A nice left hook lands for Burns that Usman counters with a jab. A big low kick lands for the champ. The pace of Gilbert Burns has slowed significantly.
Big right hand lands for Kamaru Usman. A nice jab from the UFC champion lands. A big combination lands for Burns just before the round ends. Great first round that I give to Gilbert Burns.
Round 2
Usman looked much fresher in between rounds. However, Burns opened with more pressure in the second round. Another nice jab lands for the UFC champion. The jab is keeping Burns on the outside.
A nice low kick lands from Gilbert Burns. The jab of Usman is really doing damage in the second round. Gilbert Burns has slowed significantly in the second round. The UFC champ is finding his groove in the second.
However, a right hand from Burns staggers Usman. Burns turned up the pressure, but Usman stayed composed. A big shot from Usman backs Burns up against the fence. A massive right hand drops Burns and Usman is teeing off.
Burns was staggering all over the cage as the UFC champion was teeing off. Another big jab lands for Usman. Burns is getting lit up in the second round. A jab drops Burns again and the UFC champion was dominating the round.
One minute left in this big second round. Burns looked very wobbly on his feet. Another stinging shot lands for Usman. The second round comes to a close and it’s all even after two in this title fight.
Round 3
Burns looked to be in a lot of trouble before the third at UFC 258. Gilbert Burns took the center to start the third round. A nice leg kick lands for Gilbert Burns, but Kamaru Usman drops him again. A few follow up shots and this one is over. Masterful performance from the champ.
Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns by TKO – Round 3