The main event of UFC 258 features a battle of two former teammates, as Kamaru Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) looks to defend his UFC welterweight title against Gilbert Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC). UFC 258: Usman vs. Burns airs live from the APEX facility in Las Vegas this Saturday, February 13th. The main card will start with a fight time of 10:00 p.m. ET / 7.00 p.m. PT, with the ESPN+ prelims beginning at 8:00 p.m. and the early prelims kicking off at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT.
How do these two stack up?
Usman: 33 years old | 6’0” | 76” reach
Burns: 34 years old | 5’10” | 71” reach
What have these two done recently?
Usman: W – Jorge Masvidal (DEC) | W – Colby Covington (TKO) | W – Tyron Woodley (DEC)
Burns: W – Tyron Woodley (DEC) | W – Demian Maia (TKO) | W – Gunnar Nelson (DEC)
How did these two get here?
Ever since debuting in 2015, Kamaru Usman has stream-rolled his way through the UFC welterweight division. “The Nigerian Nightmare” has defeated, and mostly dominated, three former champions in his last four fights. Coming off a one-sided decision win against Jorge Masvidal last July, Usman will aim to make the third defense of his title against his former teammate Burns. It’ll be a tough task for Usman, but the volume and pace he’s shown throughout his career has led to him being a considerable favorite in this fight.
A fight with Usman marks the first shot at UFC gold for the accomplished grappler Burns. Undefeated in his last six fights, Burns has also displayed his power on the feet during his title charge, becoming the first man to knockout Demian Maia in over a decade. “Durinho” will finally get the chance to snatch Usman’s title after COVID-19 him out of their scheduled fight last July.
Why should you care?
Along with both men’s abilities, the storyline alone makes this worth the watch.
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