Nigerian UFC star, Kamaru Usman retains his Welterweight title by unanimous win after beating Jorge Masvidal (Photos)

Nigerian UFC champion, Kamaru Usman has retained his Welterweight title after defeating his American opponent, Jorge Masvidal at the UFC 251 which took place last night on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Nigerian Nightmare, 33,  dominated the fight as he defeated Masvidal, 35, via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46), equalling former champion Georges St. Pierre’s record of 12 straight wins at welterweight.

 

The first round saw a flurry of knees by Masvidal but an accidental clash of heads cut open the challenger.
He still looked to take the round but from then on the champ stepped up to take control.

Usman took the second as both fighters stayed on their feet throughout, although Gamebred was cut again after another head clash.

The gashes above each eye were causing the BMF king trouble and he began to look tired in the third as he lost another round after good clinch work by Usman.
He was not winning many fans with his style, but the Nigerian Nightmare continued to control the fourth, leaving Masvidal needing to go for the finish in the championship round.

But Usman imposed his will and scored a big takedown, firing in the elbows to keep Masvidal on the mat.

He eventually managed to get back to his feet and desperately tried for a finish with a late flurry but Usman evaded the danger to get the unanimous decision.

Usman said: “Gambred is the biggest, baddest dude out there right now and I had to switch gears to prepare for him on six weeks notice.
“I had to make a mental switch, I prepared for Gilbert I had completely different gameplay.
“Gambred is tough and he showed it out there.
“I think Jorge is tough. I’ve always said it.
“Jorge is a tough guy and I give him credit for that. I’m just a level better.”