Usman beats dos Anjos at TUF 28 Finale (Photo: Reproduction Twitter ufc_brasil)
The 'Nigerian Nightmare' has struck once again. Kamaru Usman showed intense pace for 25 minutes to dominate the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos and beat the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg.) in a unanimous decision by the judges (50-43, 49-45, 48-47). The fight was the main attraction of the TUF 28 Finale, held on Friday night (30), in Las Vegas (USA).
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With the triumph, Usman scores his 13th consecutive victory and is already aiming for a shot at the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg). On the other hand, dos Anjos marks his second setback in a series – he had lost the interim title fight to Colby covington, in June.
“I am a man on a mission. I came to this sport to send a message. I'm heading towards the belt and I've taken another step towards that. I'm tired of talking. I ask for the fights, sometimes I receive them. I dominated the five rounds, I showed that I am the next challenger and I deserve it.”
In addition to Rafael, Brazil also had two more representatives on the card. In the preliminary program, Raoni barcelos finished Chris Gutierrez with a rear naked choke in the second round, while Peter Munhoz knocked out Bryan caraway in the first round.
Tireless, Usman dominates Rafael dos Anjos
Based on wrestling, Usman didn't want to waste any time. In the first seconds of the duel, he attacked Rafael's legs in search of the takedown. The Brazilian still defended in the first moment, but was unable to stay on his feet in the second attack. Dos Anjos still managed to get up, but the 'Nigerian Nightmare' continues to put pressure on until he falls again and works on top at the end of the partial.
Usman's pace got even faster in the second round. He cornered Rafael against the bars and attacked his legs at the first opportunity. From below, the Brazilian still tried to surprise with a Kimura – an attack on the arm – but the Nigerian defended well. Despite not being able to finish, dos Anjos used the attack to get out of the disadvantaged position and finish the round on his feet.
In the third round, Usman's pressure didn't let up. He accepted the fight standing up and worked hard blows on Rafael's ribs, undermining the Tupiniquim athlete's resistance. The Nigerian even had another fall and opened up an advantage on the judges' scorecards.
Usman returned for the fourth round showing physical fitness that was enviable. Despite the intense pace in the previous stages, the Nigerian did not reduce his intensity in the final half of the fight. He worked with good sequences on the Brazilian's face and attacked the takedown efficiently. On top, he advanced his position and worked with elbows from above in front of a worn-out Rafael dos Anjos.
With a wide advantage on the judges' scorecards, Usman returned for the fifth round to confirm his victory. He went back to working with combinations of punches while standing to shorten the distance and be effective with takedowns. In one of these attacks, the Brazilian even tried to lasso his rival's neck and landed a guillotine choke. But, however, the blow was not well placed and the Nigerian controlled the triumph until the end of the partial.
TUF 28 Finale Results
MAIN CARD
Welterweight Weight: Kamaru Usman derrotou Rafael dos Anjos in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-43, 49-45, 48-47)
Heavyweight: Juan Espino submitted Justin Frazier with an armbar at 3m36s of R1 – TUF 28 Final
Feather weight: Macy chiasson finished Pannie kianzad with a rear naked choke at 2m12s of R2 – TUF 28 Final
Bantamweight: Peter Munhoz derrotou Bryan caraway by technical knockout at 2m39s of R1
Average weight: Edmen shahbazyan derrotou Darren stewart in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Fly weight: Antonina Shevchenko derrotou Ji Yeon Kim in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Feather weight: Kevin Aguilar defeated Rick Glenn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Fly weight: Joseph Benavidez derrotou Alex Perez by technical knockout 4m19s of R1
Heavyweight: Maurice Greene finished Michel Batista with a triangle 2m14s from R1
Featherweight: Leah Letson defeated Julija Stoliarenko in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Lightweight: RooseveltRoberts submitted Darrell Horcher with a rear naked choke at 4m50s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Tim means defeated Ricky Rainey via technical knockout at 1m18s of R1
Bantamweight: Raoni barcelos finished Chris Gutierrez with a rear naked choke 4m12 from R2
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