UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman successfully defended his title by outpointing Jorge Masvidal over five round.
The judges scored the fight 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46 in favour of Kamaru Usman. This is Usman’s second title defence. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ fought to his strength and put on a wrestling clinic throughout the fight.
Kamaru Usman outstruck Jorge Masvidal 94-66 in terms of significant strikes. He also scored 5 of his 16 attempted takedowns and was able to pass guards twice in the fight. While Jorge Masvidal did have success early in the fight as he was able to outstrike Usman on the feet. While he was maintaining the distance, he was able to lands combinations and kicks on Usman.
But as rounds passed by, Usman started to walk Masvidal down and with his relentless pressure managed to slow him down.
With today’s victory, Kamaru Usman has now won 12 straight fights inside the UFC and is now tied with Georges St-Pierre for the longest winning streak in the welterweight division.
“’Gamebred’ is the biggest, baddest dude out there,” Usman said following the fight, acknowledging the toughness of his opponent. “I had to switch gears and get ready for him on six days’ notice. “Gamebred” is tough and he showed it out there. He kept fighting and he didn’t quit.
“I’m just levels better. I have more tools in the toolbox. When I need to pull them out, I can pull them out and use them.
“I’m at the top of the mountain,” Usman said. “I’m the champion. Everybody’s looking at me. There’s never going to be a shortage of contenders, guys trying to challenge for the title.”
Kamaru Usman trolled by fans for his boring style
However, Usman performance didn’t come without any criticism. Fans took to social media and trolled him for his ‘boring’ fighting style. Despite the criticism, Usman showed that he was the fighter with superior fight IQ and is always ready to adjust as per his opponents.
"Kamaru Usman is the undisputed champion of foot stomps!"@Peety_Editor thinks Kamaru Usman missed an opportunity to become a star in the UFC against Jorge Masvidal 👀 #OpenMat pic.twitter.com/Tn346myPbb
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 12, 2020
Every foot stomp is 10,000 less people buying the next Usman PPV #UFC251
— Bob the MMA Fan (@BobTheMMAFan) July 12, 2020
I’d be so pissed if I got foot stomped. How can you stomp?!?
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 12, 2020
usman pic.twitter.com/80SftEsNxR
— Adam London (@_adamlondon) July 12, 2020
Me after watching the 148th clinch and foot stomp combo: pic.twitter.com/h7XNDMpxnO
— Chris (@chrisbnvds) July 12, 2020
If UFC makes a Foot Stomp Motherfucker Championship, Usman should be crowned right now
— Mark Ortega (@MarkEOrtega) July 12, 2020
Kamaru ‘Foot Stomp’ Usman pic.twitter.com/8LaG9nTspe
— Jay (@jaywalker_cfc) July 12, 2020
It's been 10 minutes and I'm already over the "Kamaru Usman is SO BORING!" takes. Such short memories in this sport. Y'all acting like his fight before this wasn't one of the best of 2019. #UFC251
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) July 12, 2020
I agree that he deserves the BMF belt. Just not the same one as Masvidal. It’s the Boring Motherfucker Belt. #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/WEVUS3Exp0
— Dalen (@eokaeloki) July 12, 2020
Usman couldn’t finish a guy who took a fight on 6 day notice? He destroyed Colby but hugged Jorge all night. Usman took the belt off one boring fighter just to become one. #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/bXRlupO0js
— the interesting introvert (@itwasokayiguess) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/frankterpil/status/1282190603430887424?s=20
Kamaru Usman stomping Masvidal's feet like he's after cockroaches#UFC251 pic.twitter.com/Be6KujzYmw
— 🤨 (@jazzonasunday) July 12, 2020
Haven't slept in 3 days I got insomnia so bad
*Watches one Kamaru Usman fight* pic.twitter.com/pRyl92xhbb
— MMA G-Regsss (@MMAGreg1) July 12, 2020
Can’t sleep? Watch a Kamaru Usman fight and it should fix your problem.
— Logan Cheek (@loganc3) July 12, 2020
Barn burner. Instant classic. Who could’ve seen that coming? #ufc251
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) July 12, 2020
Effective but boring!!
— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/BigOleFiggletin/status/1282184168093421569?s=20
https://twitter.com/pato_elahi/status/1282196003605577728?s=20
Gotta be honest I never want to watch Kamaru Usman fight ever again. That was so god damn boring.
— McSweeney (@MattMcSweeney) July 12, 2020
Kamaru usman most boring fighter ever masvidal took the fight on 6 days notice and this guy just wants to stomp on his feet
— Omar (@OmarTaj_) July 12, 2020
I’ll probably get called a casual for this take but Kamaru Usman is boring, he’s also incredibly dominant and skilled, but oh boy is he boring
— MMA Fella (@MMAFeller) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/chrisviale/status/1282188745978986496?s=20
Kamaru Usman is pound for pound the most boring champion in the UFC. Maybe ever #UFC251
— Ray Comp (@RayComp24) July 12, 2020
It is Kamaru Usman’s goal to have the worlds most boring fights every time out
— Nate Lopez (@MrNateLopezMMA) July 12, 2020
Kamaru Usman remains the undisputed champion even with foot stomps!"
Massive win against Jorge Masvidal for #UFC251 #UsmanvsMasvidal pic.twitter.com/QWr2CNZPWW— Matthew Tegha (@matthewtegha) July 12, 2020