UFC 258: Kamaru Usman TKOs Gilbert Burns in the Third round

At UFC 258, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman squares off against former teammate Gilbert Burns. Usman has won 12 straight fights, while Burns has reeled off six victories in a row.

In the co-feature, Maycee Barber (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) meets Alexa Grasso (12-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) in a fight between women’s flyweight contenders. The event takes place at the Apex in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

Usman was originally slated to face Burns at UFC 251 in July last year, However, the fight was postponed after both Burns and his coach Greg Jones tested positive for COVID-19. The duo was slated to face against in December, but this time “Nigerian Nightmare” decided to pull out from the fight himself, claiming that he was not fully recovered from undisclosed injuries.

Nonetheless, this will mark Usman’s third title defense since he clinched the welterweight belt against Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 on 2nd March 2019 in Las Vegas. Since then, the 33-year-old successfully defended his title against Colby Covington at UFC 245. Usman faced Burns’ replacement Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 for his second title defense, which was also the last time the Nigerian-American was seen in action inside the octagon.

A former lightweight, Burns returned to welterweight at Fight Night 156 where he defeated Alexey Kunchenko. His last appearance dates back to 30th May last year when Burns headlined ESPN 9 against Tyron Woodley, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

Heading into the fight, Kamaru Usman (1.40) is the heavy favorite to win the match and mark his third straight successful title defense, while his longtime teammate Gilbert Burns (3.00) serves as the underdog.

Preliminary Card

Middleweight: Anthony Hernandez def. Rodolfo Vieira via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 1:53

Welterweight: Belal Muhammad def. Dhiego Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Women’s strawweight: Polyana Viana def. Mallory Martin via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:18

Catchweight: Chris Gutierrez def. Andre Ewell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 30-27)

Welterweight: Gabe Green def. Phil Rowe via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD UFC 258

Middleweight: Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 3, 4:17

Featherweight: Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum def Ian Heinisch via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Women’s flyweight: Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight: Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (punches) – Round 3

SHARE