Matchmaker Monday following UFC 258
UFC 258 may have been the best Kamaru Usman we’ve seen to date.
Usman defended his welterweight title for the third time by beating Gilbert Burns in the main event. In the fight, Usman absorbed an early flurry and showcased a new deadly weapon with a stinging jab on way to a third-round TKO win.
As for Burns, he was heartbroken after the loss as he let his emotions show in the center of the octagon as he was in tears after suffering a defeat in a UFC title fight.
Now the event is over, the two former teammates will regroup and get ready for their next steps. Let’s find out their next moves on this Matchmaker Monday.
Kamaru Usman
Result: defeated Gilbert Burns by third-round TKO at UFC 258
Next: winner of Colby Covington and Leon Edwards
Usman is the man at 170 pounds. His win broke Georges St-Pierre record for consecutive wins in the weight class. It time to start putting him into the elite category.
As for what’s next, he wants another fight with Jorge Masvidal and rightfully so. Their UFC 251 fight did over a million pay per view buys so that’s the money fight.
While the money is there, the UFC is not going to do that. Prior to Saturday’s fight, UFC president Dana White said he’s looking to book Colby Covington and Leon Edwards in a title elimination fight.
There you have folks. That is the next move.
Gilbert Burns
Result: lost to Kamaru Usman by third-round TKO at UFC 258
Next: loser of Colby Covington and Leon Edwards
Burns had the right idea in the loss. He had Usman hurt and brought the fight to Usman. It wasn’t until he got caught with a right hand that flipped the fight into Usman’s favor and really took the wind out of Burns’ sail.
Despite losing, Burns is still in a good spot in the division. Another win or two and he will fight for the title again. That journey will start with whoever loses the title eliminator the UFC is in the process of booking.
Now if Masvidal is able to somehow seek his way into another title fight, then Burns would get the winner of Covington and Edwards. Also don’t sleep at Stephen Thompson as a top contender. He’s due for a big as well as he can easily insert his name into the mix against any of the top four fighters in the division.
