Kamaru Usman beats Jorge Masvidal to retain UFC welterweight belt

Kamaru Usman has beaten Jorge Masvidal at the UFC 251 to retain his retain welterweight belt by tying Georges St-Pierre for the longest winning streak in UFC welterweight history.

The Nigerian nightmare who was by far the better fighter of the two won by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) in the main event of UFC 251 on Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to retain welterweight belt.

Kamaru Usman opponent Jorge Masvidal was a late replacement for Gilbert Burns who was tested positive to COVID 19 on July 3rd.

Meaning both Kamaru Usman and his new fighter Jorge Masvidal had eight days to prepare for the fight and they both gave a good fight on Sunday.

Masvidal started out hot in the first round, pushing the pace and landing hard kicks to Usman’s legs and body. He landed some hard right hands, too, though Usman was never in danger.

It was obvious that Masvidal was attempting to finish things early, since he was coming in on short notice without full preparation.

But Usman was able to weather that early storm and grind Masvidal’s offense to a halt beginning in the second round, which led to plenty of Usman pushing Masvidal up against the cage and taking him down.

Masvidal had two cuts open up in the second due to incidental clashes of heads.

Whenever Masvidal was able to get separation, he remained dangerous, even into the closing seconds of the fifth and final round.

Masvidal closed the fight by throwing a flying knee and hard kicks. None landed with any significance, and Usman held on for the comprehensive victory.

In the end it was Kamaru Usman who won the fight to record his 12th straight wins tying lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for the longest active winning streak in the UFC. That figure also ties Georges St-Pierre for the longest winning streak in UFC welterweight history.