Kamaru Usman calls out Jorge Masvidal after UFC 258 title defense
Image: Zuffa/UFC
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman continues to be a problem for the rest of the division, successfully defending his title for a third time at Saturday’s UFC 258 and calling out an old rival after it was over.
Usman’s third round TKO over Gilbert Burns at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas was his 17th straight win overall, dating back to December 2013 on the regional scene. Afterward, he cut a passionate promo on past title challenger Jorge Masvidal, demanding a rematch. Usman defeated Masvidal in a dominant unanimous decision on a week’s notice last July with Masvidal dismissing it afterward that he didn’t have enough time to prepare. A rematch would be a high-profile and financially lucrative affair given Masvidal’s drawing power.
Usman (18-1) was in trouble in the first round but Burns (19-4) couldn’t take advantage, slipping and getting into Usman’s guard instead. After that, Usman was dominant, finishing Burns with strikes in the middle of the cage in the third round, yelling “Put some respect on my name!” afterward.
The loss snaps a six-fight win streak for Burns.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.