MMA

Usman retains UFC Welterweight title

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman – also known as “the Nigerian Nightmare” – has retained his title after a unanimous decision in his favour in his much-hyped UFC 251 bout with Jorge Masvidal in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates early Sunday morning (July 12).

Usman had had to adapt to the unusual situation of preparing for a fighter in just one week, after his original title opponent, Gilbert Burns, tested positive for the coronavirus, necessitating a change of contender at the very last minute.

The Usman v Burns fight was billed as the main event in Abu Dhabi and with the Burns COVID-19 positive test threatening to ruin the event, UFC president had to bring on Masvidal into the cards.

Usman earned a significant victory and gets to keep his belt while enhancing his growing reputation in the weight category as the fighter to beat, leaving the Fight Island still clutching his UFC welterweight belt.

Tom Kirkwood

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