07/12/2020 - 6:05
- Clarín.com
- sports
Kamaru Usman retained his welterweight title with a devastating victory over contender Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 , in an evening in which the island of Abu Dhabi was finally released, which will serve as a safe bubble in the coronavirus pandemic.
Usman (17-1) achieved his 16th consecutive victory in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and defended his belt for the second time, with a technical intervention against Masvidal, 35 (35-14). The judges' decision was unanimous to give him victory.
The Nigerian came as a clear favorite in his match against his challenger, as the American accepted his first attempt for a UFC title with just six days to spare, after Gilbert Burns tested positive for Covid-19.
"(Masvidal) is the biggest and most dangerous guy right now," Usman said.
"I had to change gears and prepare for him in six days. I know a lot was done to get him to accept the fight in no time, but all these guys are preparing for one man, and it's me, I'm at the top. I had to make a mental adjustment. I had a totally different strategy, "Usman said of the changes last week.
Masvidal regretted the short preparation he had to face. "More than six days, I would like to have six weeks of training to face him. He is a great competitor. I am willing to fight other people before, if necessary, to fight again against Usman," said the native of Florida, in ESPN.
In the other big fight of the night, Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title with a tight split decision victory against Max Holloway.
Jose Aldo, from Brazil, hits Petr Yan, from Russia. (Jeff Bottari / Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports)
Meanwhile, Petr Yan took the vacant bantamweight championship after defeating José Aldo in the fifth round.
In addition, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas avenged her loss last May against Jéssica Andrade. This time, she prevailed over the Brazilian by a divided decision.
The UFC built an 11-hectare site on Yas Island, a tourist destination in Abu Dhabi, to make it the organization's safe bubble amid the coronavirus.
On the so-called "Isle of Fight," the UFC will offer four rounds of fighting this month at the venue, with more expected to take place in the coming months.
Source: AP