Kamaru Usman’s ‘insane’ TKO after jab takes down No. 1 contender in UFC 258
Watch out world — Kamaru Usman is a bad, bad man.
The Nigerian welterweight champion defended his title against Gilbert Burns with a stunning TKO against his former sparring partner, bringing the house down with a shot that will send chills down the spines of any future opponents.
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Usman has never lost in the UFC in 13 fights and now holds the record for the most wins in UFC welterweight history.
But he has been criticised in the past for being a boring fighter, having won on decisions in nine of his 13 fights.
No one will argue he’s as scary as anyone in the UFC after taking down Burns, the number one contender, with a jab.
It was a crazy fight that lit social media up immediately as the former training partners slugged it out.
Just 30 seconds into the fight, Burns looked to have gained the upper hand with a huge right hand that left Usman rocked.
THE CHAMP GOT ROCKED ? #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/ecnDhcCKDW
While Burns looked to have won the first round, Usman fought back in the second before ending it in the third
It was just 30 seconds into the third round when Usman snuck a jab straight through Burns guard and sending him to the canvas.
The ground and pound finished it in stunning fashion.
I’m going to have Nigerian Nightmares for the next 8 hours. #KamaruUsman #UFC258pic.twitter.com/09YsF0FmfZ
“Put some respect on my name,” he said as he celebrated the victory.
Usman admitted it was hard to fight a former teammate.
“This one was a tough one,” Usman said. “It was a very, very tough one. The whole gym situation with me leaving, first and foremost, you cannot discredit what Gilbert Burns has done in this division. We started together. He showed it tonight. But I said it, I’m the varsity guy. My fight IQ is different.
“I’m a whole other savage. From start to finish, I’m a whole other savage and he saw that tonight.
“When you step into my cage, we have to go to work. There was no friends in there. No friends at all. I am the best on the planet for a reason. You need to put some respect on my f***ing name.”
UFC commentator Joe Rogan realised that Burns was crying after the match, with Usman, after celebrating his victory knelt down and waited for Burns’ team to calm him down before the pair shared a long embrace.
Rogan said: “This is a private moment between these two men, but I’d really love to know what they’re saying.”
Gilbert Burns was devastated by the loss.Source:FOX SPORTS
It was a sweet moment after an absolute war that had that the UFC world raving about the battle.
UFC champ Max Holloway tweeted: “Usman came to play. Respect is earned.” while heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou added: “That JAB was everything”.
Aussie featherweight contender Megan Anderson, who will fight Amanda Nunes at UFC 259, tweeted: “What an impressive performance by the champ! That jab was a game changer. Sucks to have to fight a teammate like that but that’s the fight game”.
This mans is dropping people with JABS.. @USMAN84kg
Tumbo a Durinho con puro JAB! ? @UFCEspanol #UFC258
Oh My God This Fight Is Insane…. #UFC258
They were friends? @ufc #ufc258
Usman answered a lot of questions tonight. #UFC258
What a WAR! #ufc258
This fight is so intense Burns looks hurt #ufc258
@USMAN84kg you a beast! #UFC258
Kamaru Usman is a PROBLEM. He just knocked out the number one contender with jabs #UFC258
Post-fight, Usman called out Jorge Masvidal, calling him a “street thug” after they went the distance last time.
"Step in here and see me!"
?? @Usman84kg wants the one they call 'Street Jesus' #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/7qVROzHd2Q
Earlier in the night, after a rather uninspiring card, Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber shook it up, going the distance with some huge shots raining down in the co-main event.
Grasso claimed the fight and impressed with some massive hits.
Former middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum also ended a three-fight losing streak since his bout with Robert Whittaker was abandoned when the Aussie had a collapsed bowel, claiming a dominant win over Ian Heinisch has started his comeback.
UFC 258 RESULTS
Kamaru Usman defeated Gilbert Burns by third-round TKO (punches)
Alexa Grasso defeated Maycee Barber by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kelvin Gastelum defeated Ian Heinisch by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Ricky Simon defeated Brian Kelleher by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Julian Marquez defeated Maki Pitolo by third-round submission (anaconda choke)
Anthony Hernandez defeated Rodolfo Vieira by second-round submission (guillotine choke)
Belal Muhammad defeated Dhiego Lima by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Polyana Viana defeated Mallory Martin by first-round submission (armbar)
Chris Gutierrez defeated Andre Ewell by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)
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