Video recap: Usman dominates Masvidal to win one-sided decision

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Kamar Usman shut down Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251 to defend his title by unanimous decision.

Kamaru Usman defended his UFC welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251 with a dominant unanimous decision win (50-45, 50-45, 49-46).

What was the high point of the fight?

Masvidal started the fight aggressively, which Usman capitalised on by securing a takedown. Usman pressed Masvidal up against the cage in the second round, winning the round with foot stomps and dirty boxing. Another clash of hands opened up a second cut on Masvidal’s head.

In the third and fourth rounds, Usman continued to land takedowns and force Masvidal up against the fence to work in the clinch. The fifth round was no different, with Usman continuing to shut down any offence from Masvidal by taking the fight to the mat to land strikes.

Where do they go from here?

The win against Masvidal means Usman has victories over two of the top three contenders at welterweight. Given Usman was originally supposed to fight Gilbert Burns on this card, it makes sense for that fight to be rescheduled.

Masvidal’s stock will be relatively unaffected by the loss, he is still a fan favorite and makes him a big draw at 170-pounds. A fight against Leon Edwards is a good one to make for Masvidal, given the bad blood between them also.

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