Kamaru Usman shuts down Masvidal to defend welterweight title
UFC 251 marks a historic card for the UFC as they will hold their first ever event on “Fight Island” in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Not only will the event be unique due to its outside beach venue, but it will also be just the sixth card in UFC history to feature three championship fights.
The main event will be a welterweight title bout between champion Kamaru Usman and fan favorite Jorge Masivdal. In the co-main event, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will face Max Holloway in a rematch of their December fight in which Volkanovski won by unanimous decision. Prior to those fights, Petr Yan and Jose Aldo will square off to fight for the vacant bantamweight championship.
In the main event of the evening, a grudge match between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal will finally get settled in the octagon! Masvidal, The BMF title holder saved the day when he took the fight against Usman on just a few days notice. Usman was fully prepared to take on Gilbert Burns. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Burns tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the scheduled contest. Thus, leaving the open spot for the “Street Jesus” Masvidal to fill the void and keeping this historically stacked card together. Usman vs Masvidal will mark Usman’s 2nd title defense following his defeat of Colby Covington at UFC 245. Or, could potentially serve as Masvidal’s ticket to UFC welterweight gold in his highlight-reel mixed martial arts career.
Here’s a breakdown of the UFC welterweight title bout between Kamara Usman and Jorge Masvidal as it played out, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of UFC 251, click here.
Round 1 The first round begins and Masvidal opens with leg kicks. Masvidal stays heavy on the kicks and Usman takes him to the canvas. Usman gets to work landing an elbow from top. Usman stands momentarily while Masvidal lands punches on his way up followed by up-kicks. Masvidal shoots in for his own take down that is stuffed. Masvidal is landing heavy punches while Usman is looking to take the bout to the floor, again. The fighters jock against the cage for position with Masvidal‘s back pressed against the fence. The pair trade knees briefly. Masvidal find a way to circle out to the center of the cage once again. Usman walks Masvidal down and finds himself on the end of “Street Jesus” punches roll close the round.
MyMMANews scores Round 1 for Jorge Masvidal. 10-9
Round 2
Masvidal opens with a kids and Usman follows with a punch upstairs. Usman looks to get Masvidal to the canvas twice in the opening minute. Masvidal fends it off but Usman presses his foe against the cage, yet again to keep dominant position. Usman separates and lands a heavy punch combination upstairs. A second cut is now open on Masvidal’s face, due to head butts. Usman remains heavy on his opponent against the cage, throwing in shoulder strikes, foot stomps, anything he can to gain traction. Masvidal works his way off as the fence and goes after Usman with kicks and heavy punches upstairs to draw a close to round 2.
MyMMANews scores round 2 for Kamaru Usman. 10-9
Round 3
Masvidal opened the third stanza with a solid leg kick. Following with another. Usman picks up the pace, pressing Masvidal against the fence, yet again. Foot stomps and more shoulder strikes in the clinch from Usman. Masvidal clears a bit of space as the two start to trade. Usman resorts back to his clinch work. In a bit of confusion, Masvidal receives a borderline low blow and the referee calls a break to make sure “Street Jesus” is ok. The action continues. Masvidal is throwing single strikes while Usman gets the read he needs to complete the takedown. Masvidal wastes no time getting back to his feet but is dumped heavily to the mat with authority. Usman goes to work, transitioning from side control to full guard, looking to rain bombs on Masvidal to close the round.
MyMMANews scores round 3 for Kamaru Usman. 10-9
Round 4
Usman starts this round punching to the body, picking Masvidals leg, and persisting to get the bout back to the ground. The fighters trade short shots inside the guard. Usman separates momentarily and takes his Masvidal back to the canvas. Gaining momentum, and shutting down Masvidal, Usman finds the fence again and persists to go for more takedown attempts. Masvidal clears a bit of space to get back to the center of the cage. Masvidal is swinging heavily but Usman is able to weave through the potential damage, landing his own heavy punches. Usman gets the bout back against the fence where he works until the closing bell.
MyMMANews scores Round 4 for Kamaru Usman. 10-9
Round 5
No love lost as the fighters opt not to touch gloves in the final stanza of this welterweight championship bout. Usman pops several jabs out where he is met with Masvidals heavy punch attempts. Usman goes back to what he knows and gets the bout back to the floor. Usman gets to work, landing hard shots to the head of the downed Masvidal. Masvidal is scrambling, looking for better positioning. Usman gains side control with 2 minutes left in the contest. Usman looks for mount, but Masvidal scrambles out for the reversal. Masvidal is stuffed, and Usman controls the head, looking for the submission. Masvidal scrambles to his feet and goes berserk for the final moments. Firing punches, kicks, flying knees; Usman sees it all, defends himself and picks his shots from the outside to close this welterweight title bout.
MyMMANews scores round 5 for Kamaru Usman. 10-9
Winner: Kamaru Usman defeats Jorge Masvidal via Unanimous decision. (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
