The top of the UFC 258 billing got an epic thriller between the defending welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, and the #1 contender, Gilbert Burns. Usman was badly hurt in the opening round, but recovered and rallied in the second act to hurt Burns and then finish him early in the third. This bout had quite a severe momentum swing, with Gilbert doing early damage, but Usman showing the true heart of a champion to find a way to win. This was truly a special performance from both men, but Kamaru is the man and has now defended his belt three times. In his post-fight interview, the champ asked for a rematch with Jorge masvidal, who he just beat in July of 2017.
Burns dropped Usman right out of the gate with a bomb! The champ recovered but ate a few more licks before pushing Burns to the floor followed an extended period standing above him. Usman kicked away at the legs, making Gilbert uncomfortable so he would stand up. Burns got right back to stinging Usman, seeming to hurt him with whatever touched him.
The jab of Usman was present to start the second round, but the power advantage possessed by Burns was hard to ignore. Then, Usman rocked Burns with a crisp right hand, causing Gilbert to retreat to the cage. The champ started to pour it on, throwing and landing volume on his dazed opponent. A stiff jab sent Burns down to the floor, but Usman elected to not follow him down there. What a crazy momentum swing!
Another stinging jab from the champ dropped Burns at the start of the final round. He quickly pounced with ferocious ground strikes, pounding away until the referee stepped in and waved off the bout. What a crazy fight with a definitive ending!
Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns by TKO at :34 of round 3: Welterweight Title
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