Kamaru Usman dominates Jorge Masvidal and retains welterweight belt at UFC 251

K. Usman (left) defeated J. Masvidal (right) in the UFC 251. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Gave the logic. In the main fight of UFC 251, held this Saturday (11), in Abu Dhabi, Kamaru Usman asserted favoritism and maintained the welterweight title (up to 77kg.) in the confrontation against Jorge masvidal. After dominating his rival for five rounds, the 'Nigerian Nightmare' was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges.

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After taking on the challenge of replacing Gilbert Durinho last minute in the main fight of the UFC 251, Masvidal showed courage, but felt the lack of rhythm and ended up succumbing to the champion's talent. The North American started the confrontation by going after the Nigerian, but ended up falling victim to Kamaru's strategy, who bet on grappling.

This was the second title defense for Usman, who has held the title since March last year. The expectation now is that the Nigerian will face Durinho, who was forced to leave the card after testing positive for COVID-19, in his next match.

Masvidal's setback halted a three-fight winning streak. In a great phase, the North American is currently third in the category ranking.

With yet another positive result, Usman remains undefeated since his Ultimate debut. This was the Nigerian's 12th appearance in the organization.

The fight

The match started off busy with Masvidal launching a series of low kicks. Immediately, the champion grabbed Jorge's legs and took the duel to the ground. Usman started throwing blows from the bottom up, while Jorge tried to get up. The American stayed on his feet and tried to land a blow that would lead to his opponent being knocked out. The Nigerian once again bet on grappling and began to put pressure on his rival on the bars. Masvidal managed to get away and landed a direct shot on his opponent's face. In the final minute, the welterweights accepted the open exchange, but there was no more time.

In the second round, Jorge also took the initiative with two low kicks. Usman attempted the takedown again, but the American defended himself well. The Nigerian continued to press and Masvidal continued to resist. While the 'Jesus of the Streets' tried to free himself, Usman continued to focus on the grappling fight. When he managed to separate himself, Jorge threw a cross, but was caught again by the champion. The fight continued to be fought behind bars and without much action. Usman threw shoulder punches at his opponent, who smiled when attacked. In the final seconds, the combatants exchanged punches and kicks and sought the knockout. The timer ran to zero and the welterweights provoked each other.

The third stage began with more study. Kamaru feinted a cross, but again tried to take his opponent to the ground. Pressed against the bars, Jorge tried to remain standing and managed to move away. The fighters exchanged punches, but, again, Usman went to the clinch. The fight was interrupted after Masvidal hit him in the genital area. The fight returned with the athletes in the center of the octagon, but the champion managed to take down his rival. On top, the champion tried transitions and looked for the best position to strike his opponent. In the final seconds, Usman managed a series of elbows, but the round was over.

At a disadvantage in the fight, Masvidal needed a knockout or submission to avoid the risk of losing on points. Usman, however, remained focused and managed, once again, to hold on to his opponent. Jorge continued to defend himself as best he could and presented no risks to the champion. Halfway through the round, the North American managed to explode and move away from the Nigerian. After being removed, the champion stuck to the challenger again and pressed him against the fence until the end of the stage.

In the last round, Masvidal already had a tired expression. The challenger's blows no longer presented the same dangers as in the previous stages. Kamaru insisted on grappling again and managed to take his opponent to the ground. Jorge defended himself as best he could, but the situation was not good for the North American. Usman launched attacks from top to bottom and scored over his rival. In the final minute, the North American showed courage and managed to get up, but the champion remained glued to the challenger. The 'Jesus of the Streets' finally managed to move away and threw punches, trying to knock out his opponent, but the round came to an end.

UFC 251 results

MAIN CARD

Welterweight Weight: Kamaru Usman derrotou Jorge masvidal in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) – Title fight

Feather weight: Alexander Volkanovsky derrotou Max Holloway in the judges' split decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) – Title fight

Bantamweight: Petr yan derrotou José Aldo by knockout at 3m24s of R5- Title fight

Straw weight: Rose namajunas derrotou Jessica Stacker in the judges' split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Fly weight: Amanda ribas finished paige vanzant with an armbar 2m21s from R1

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light Heavyweight: Jiri Prochazka derrotou Volkan oezdemir by knockout 49s into R2

Welterweight Weight: muslim salikhov derrotou Elizeu Capoeira in the judges' split decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Feather weight: mawan amirkhani finished Danny henry with a hand triangle at 3m15s ​​from R1

Lightweight: Leo Santos derrotou Roman Bogatov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)

Heavyweight: Marcin tybura derrotou Maxim grishin in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-2, 30-27, 30-26)

Fly weight: Raulian paiva derrotou Zhalgas Zhumagulov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantamweight: Karol Rosa derrotou Vanessa melo in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Bantamweight: davey grant derrotou Martin Day by knockout at 2m38s of R3

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