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Tim B. takes a deeper look into the UFC 251 main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
UFC 251 goes down this Saturday night on Fight Island (Yas Island) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The headliner of a card with three title fights will see UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman trying to defend his title for the second time when he meets late replacement and BMF belt-holder Jorge Masvidal.
Masvidal took the bout on under two weeks of notice, which is a tall task for any fighter. Add in that he’s stepping into a world title fight on the other side of the world, and it’s even crazier. But Masvidal has apparently been training the whole time, and he had no issues making weight (nor did Usman), so we should see Gamebred pretty close to top farm.
Short notice or not though, Usman is one hell of a challenge for Masvidal to overcome. Despite what some pundits have put out there, this isn’t Masvidal’s first title fight (he dropped a decision to Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce lightweight strap in 2011), but the 48-fight vet has actually competed in fewer five round fights less than the current champ, who has gone into the fifth round in his last four fights, with three going the full 25 minutes.
And make no mistake – this is where Usman will have his biggest advantage. He is a cardio machine, and his pace does not slow over five hard rounds. Masvidal’s has, and he has little experience going 25 minutes. The heat won’t help either.
The striking advantage probably leads towards Masvidal, as he has a much broader spectrum of weapons in his arsenal than the champ. And his takedown defense has been on point over the last couple of years. With that being said though, Usman will likely dictate where the fight takes place. His motor is outstanding and his MMA wrestling is downright scary. No one has been able to withstand the grind so far, and I don’t think Gamebred is the guy to change that.
I think the fight will go the distance, with Masvidal fading late. Even tired, he’s incredibly durable and hasn’t been finished since Toby Imada’s miracle inverted triangle in 2009. But Usman is going to put it on Masvidal, and I think he’s going to win a lopsided decision to retain his title.
I do expect a flying knee from Masvidal right away though.
My prediction: Kamaru Usman defeats Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)