Usman knocks out Masvidal to retain UFC welterweight belt

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

In a night full of action-packed fights and the re-opening of the Ultimate Fighting Championship to a full capacity crowd amid the COVID-19 pandemic, welterweight champion and main event fighter Kamaru Usman really saved the best for last.

The Nigerian mixed martial artist only needed two rounds to take down main rival Jorge Masvidal after pulling off an impressive win in UFC 261.

Usman showed another level to his game in the fight after displaying his boxing skills.

After missing on a counter left, Usman patiently waited for Masvidal’s guard to open and unleashed a vicious right straight punch that knocked the latter down.

Usman then followed his attack with lightning-quick hammer fists to finally write the final chapter in their highly-anticipated welterweight series.

“Sky is the limit, I’m growing so much in the sport, I’m just blessed to be at this present time and moment. It was a sweet one, it’s up there. If you look at the knockouts now that I’m putting together, that one’s up there for sure,” Usman said.

Meanwhile, in the co-main event of UFC 261, challenger Rose Namajunas stole Weili Zhang’s UFC women’s strawweight title after connecting on a well-executed high kick.