UFC 258; Kamaru Burns Gilbert To Defend Title With 3rd Round TKO
The Nigerian born Kamaru Usman beat Gilbert Burns today defeated Gilbert Burns to defend the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Sporting News reports that the UFC welterweight champion endured a challenging first round and then patiently picked his spots before violently putting away Gilbert Burns in the third round of the UFC 258 main event from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
In a matchup of former teammates, Usman showed that he’s one of the best fighters on the planet by making adjustments, working behind the jab before putting an end to his opponent.
The victory extended Usman’s UFC win streak to 12 and marked his third defense of the welterweight crown.
“This is my cage,” Usman said. “I’m the champion for a reason. When you step in here there are no friends. He said he wanted something of mine and he wanted to take. I had to do what I needed to do. I’m the best on the planet for a reason. Everyone else needs to put some respect on my name!”
For a moment, it felt as if Burns would be the one demanding respect. The fight opened with Burns clipping Usman with a right hand and a head kick that buzzed the “Nigerian Nightmare.” But Usman collected himself and fired a pistonlike jab that repeatedly found its target.
“I knew he hits hard,” Usman said of the first round. “That’s a majority of how sparring went. He’s got so much power in those hands. Any other fighter goes to sleep in this division.”
Usman’s resistance shined through in the second round as he stepped in and continuously fired the jab before badly hurting Burns with a right hand. The entire fight turned at that very moment, and Usman never looked back.
“I’m a whole ‘nother savage when you get in here with me,” he said.
With Burns melting in front of him, Usman had his meal ready to be placed in the oven. The third round opened with another series of jabs. A thudding shot put Burns on his back and Usman feasted on his fallen opponent with a bevy of strikes that caused the fight to be halted 34 seconds into the round.
A new challenge will be finding a worthy opponent for Usman. The champion called for a rematch with Jorge Masvidal, whom he defeated last July on short notice at UFC 251, and promised to end the fight inside the distance. But if it isn’t Masvidal, then it can be anyone; the champion is ready for all challenges.
