Kamaru Usman (18-1) was simply brilliant at UFC 258. After getting hurt in the opening exchanges by Gilbert Burns (19-4), Usman started going to work on the challenger. Behind a beautiful jab and pressure, Usman was able to break Gilbert Burns.
In the second round, the UFC champion dropped Burns a few times. In the third round, Burns was dropped again by Usman which led to the end of the fight. Usman was fired up after the fight and demanded that people put some respect on his name.
In his post-fight interview, there was only one name on his mind. That name was Jorge Masvidal (35-14). Masvidal and Usman fought back at UFC 251 in July and Usman won the fight by decision.
Burns was originally supposed to fight Usman that night. However, COVID cancelled that fight. Usman and Masvidal agreed to fight on six days notice. Masvidal has maintained that he would beat Usman if he had a full camp and that hasn’t sat well with the UFC champion.
Usman told Joe Rogan after the fight that “Street Jesus” could have a full camp and he wants to finish him. At the post-fight press conference, Dana White seemed to be interested in the idea.
"Step in here and see me!"
?? @Usman84kg wants the one they call 'Street Jesus' #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/7qVROzHd2Q
— UFC (@ufc) February 14, 2021
Will the UFC make it happen?
“If that’s the fight he (Usman) wants. That’s the fight Masvidal wants and I’m sure the people would like to see it too,” White said. Yesterday, White had mentioned that he was into the idea of having Leon Edwards and Colby Covington fight to be the number one contender.
If that fight were to take place, Masvidal wouldn’t have an opponent. At the moment, Usman doesn’t have a clear challenger so the fight does make sense in theory. Also, White has always maintained that he will make the fights that UFC fans want to see.
Given the star power of Jorge Masvidal, I think it’s safe to say that the rematch would be massive. We know that’s the fight Masvidal wants and if Usman is set on it, I think the UFC is going to move in that direction. It’ll be interesting to see how this situation unfolds at welterweight.