UFC 258 ended on a high note with Kamaru Usman recovering from a first-round knockdown to stop Gilbert Burns in the third.
Whether or not you buy into the storyline that their shared history as teammates could impact the outcome of the fight, one thing was certain in UFC 258’s Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns: the bout was the very best the UFC could put together at 170lbs at the moment.
Usman had proven able to turn back all of his challengers to date. Even prior to winning gold. Burns appeared to have — potentially — the kryptonite to Usman’s impenetrable defense and smothering takedowns. That, in the form of explosive power and top-notch jiu-jitsu.
Doesn’t matter if they are friend or foe Kamaru Usman continues to turn back challengers as he finished Gilbert Burns via TKO in the third round of the main event of UFC 258.
From the very start it showed that Burns’ gameplan was to pressure Usman into the takedown and force the fight to the canvas which Usman did not entertain. Using a piston-quick jab and combos to follow, The Nigerian Nightmare retained his UFC welterweight title. It did not come easy however.
Early in the first round, Burns used body kicks to set up a massive right hand that dropped Usman momentarily. It seemed to rock Usman but he recovered quickly as he continued to show patience and use his jab to keep Burns at bay.
Round two was the turning point for the champion as the challenger continued to pressure his back to the cage. Usman continued to land the jab at a high rate without wasting much energy or missing shots. Each time a jab landed, Burns’ head would snap back.
Suddenly, Usman landed a big right hand that dropped Burns to the canvas and Usman began the ground and pound attack. Burns tried to take Usman down but his attempt was easily stuffed.
Usman then dropped Burns once again with a jab this time and clearly took the round.
By the third round, it was clear that Burns was compromised after getting dropped early in the second round and the patience of Usman as he used the jab to continue to damage the Brazilian.
One more jab dropped Burns to the canvas and Usman swarmed until Herb Dean had seen enough.
Make that three straight title defenses for the UFC welterweight champion.
Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns by TKO (Punches) in Round 3 (0:34)
