Before facing Gilbert Burns at UFC 258, Sunday (14/2), Kamaru Usman had experience in three duels for the UFC welterweight title.
Usman’s last three matches at the UFC were title battles with the details of one as a challenger and two as the defending champion.
Here are 3 of Usman’s ferocity in the race for the UFC title:
1. Usman vs Tyron Woodley (UFC 235/2 March 2019)
Usman is a challenger to the champion when he meets Woodley. The fighter nicknamed The Nigerian Nightmare appeared quite aggressive when he faced Woodley. Usman’s takedown and stand fight efforts made Woodley in a state of urgency.
The two fighters can still hold out until the fifth round bell is sounded. The referee’s absolute decision gave Usman a 50-44, 50-44 and 50-45 victory.
Usman also became the first African fighter to become the UFC champion.
2. Usman vs Colby Covington (UFC 245/14 December 2019)
Covington became Usman’s first opponent in defending the title. The fighter from the United States was initially able to match Usman in a clash.
An interesting standfight duel was presented from the first round. Covington, who suffered a facial wound in the second round, also left Usman injured.
A Usman blow to the head sent Covington crashing in the fourth round. Helpless, Covington was again showered with punches and the referee then ended the fight with a TKO victory for Usman.
3. Usman vs Jorge Masvidal (UFC 251/11 July 2020)
In his second attempt to defend the championship belt, Usman faced Masvidal’s challenges, who had been attacking aggressively since the first round.
Masvidal’s performance decreases over time. Minimal preparation made Masvidal unable to provide the best resistance. Usman immediately controlled the fight since the middle of the second round.
Masvidal was able to survive Usman’s attacks until the fifth round. The champion belt remains in the hands of Usman, who has won the numbers 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46.
