Video recap: Usman rallies to stop Burns, beat GSP’s record

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Kamaru Usman retained his UFC welterweight title with a third round TKO of Gilbert Burns at UFC 258. In the main event of UFC 258, Kamaru Usman overcame an early knockdown to stop Gilbert …


UFC 258: Usman v Burns
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Kamaru Usman retained his UFC welterweight title with a third round TKO of Gilbert Burns at UFC 258.

In the main event of UFC 258, Kamaru Usman overcame an early knockdown to stop Gilbert Burns by third-round TKO.

The win meant Usman broke Georges-St Pierre’s record for the most consecutive wins in the welterweight division (13). It was also the Usman’s fourth defense of his UFC welterweight title.

What was the high point of the fight?

Thirty seconds into the first round, Burns landed a massive right hand that dropped Usman. The champ recovered well by not letting Burns get off of the canvas following a slip, landing several chopping leg kicks.

Usman landed a big right hand in the second round that stunned Burns. Still hurt the from the previous exchange, Burns was dropped by a jab but Usman let him back to his feet. In the third round another jab from Usman dropped Burns, and this time he followed up. Burns was not defending the ground and pound and referee Herb Dean rightfully stopped the fight.

Where do they go from here?

A fired-up Usman called out Jorge Masvidal after the win, vowing to finish him in a rematch. The two fought last July with Usman winning a decision. The UFC could either go down that route or match Usman up against the winner of the recently discussed Colby Covington vs. Leon Edwards fight.

It’s a tough loss to take for Burns in the battle of two former teammates. “Durinho” was on a six-fight winning streak before the loss, and will need to rack up a few wins before another shot at the title. Maybe a fight with former title challenger Stephen Thompson is a good one to make next.

Watch it now, later or never?

Both men had their moments in the fight, watch it now.