Kamaru Usman's KO of Jorge Masvidal stunned the MMA world

Kamaru Usman knocks out Jorge Masvidal

Kamaru Usman proved two things in one night: He's undeniably one of the pound-for-pound greats, and he's still getting better.

Usman successfully defended his welterweight title after brutally knocking out rival Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261 on Saturday.

The "Nigerian Nightmare" landed a vicious overhand right square on Masvidal's chin at the 1:02 mark of Round 2 to retain his championship.

Usman knocks out Masvidal

The night was already full of finishes once the Main Card went underway. It was the first UFC event in a long time with a crowd watching and it didn't disappoint.

Masvidal was active in Round one trying to create distance with leg kicks while Usman, on the other hand was looking to land overhand rights.

The two were fighting on the stand up for most of the first round before Masvidal attempted a knee which Usman used as an opportunity to take things to the ground.

The crowd got excited when the Masvidal managed to take the fight standing again. It was also the time he landed a punch and a knee.

Round two could have gone either way after both fighters felt confident with their first round performance. It was then that Masvidal became too cocky and overconfident and paid dearly.

Usman was able to capitalize on Masvidal's mistake of smiling and letting his guard open. The champion landed a massive overhand right which dropped the challenger with a limp body.

A few hammer fists later and referee Herb Dean jumped in to put a stop to the contest.

Pound-for-Pound Great

Usman has solidified his claim as one of the pound-for-pound greats with his recent win. He now rides an 18-fight winning streak with his last 14being in the UFC.

The "Nigerian Nightmare" sits at second to Anderson Silva for longest winning streak inside the octagon.

Usman has defended his title a total of four times since winning it from Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in March 2019.

Full UFC 261 Results:

Main Card

  • Kamaru Usman def. Jorge Masvidal via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:02
  • Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili via knockout (head kick, punches) – Round 1, 1:18
  • Valentina Shevchenko def. Jessica Andrade via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:19
  • Uriah Hall def. Chris Weidman via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 0:17
  • Anthony Smith def. Jimmy Crute via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00

Undercard

  • Randy Brown def. Alex Oliveira via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:50
  • Dwight Grant def. Stefan Sekulic via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Brendan Allen def. Karl Roberson via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 4:55
  • Pat Sabatini def. Tristan Connelly via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Danaa Batgerel def. Kevin Natividad via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:50
  • Kazula Vargas def. Rong Zhu via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Jeffrey Molina def. Qileng Aori via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
  • Ariane Carnelossi def. Na Liang via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:28

Comments