Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman retains UFC welterweight title

Martial artist Kamaru Usman has again retained his position as the undisputed welterweight champion of UFC after defeating Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261 in VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville Florida on Sunday.
The Nigerian superstar, in a remarkable two-round knockout match, defeated Masvidal to retain his welterweight belt which has been in his possession since 2019.
U.S.-based Usman reportedly scored the most vicious knockout of 2021, after he dealt Masvidal a massive right-hand punch and a hammerfist to KO him out cold at the point of impact in the second round of the contest.
Usman’s recent victory extends his winning spree in MMA to 18 fights, with 14 straight victories in the UFC.
BBC reports that the bout was a rematch of an earlier meeting that took place at UFC 251 in July 2020 where Masvidal lost out to Usman on the scorecards after five exhausting rounds.
Speaking after extending his winning streak at Jacksonville on Sunday, Usman said he remains the best fighter on the planet at the moment.
“I know with my fundamentals, I am the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet right now,” he said.
“I told everybody, I’m still getting better. The sky’s the limit for me as long as I’m doing this.”
On his part, Masvidal who is suffering the first knockout loss of his 50-fight MMA career felt devastated to have lost the contest in front of his family and friends.
“First time in my career, and it’s in front of all my people, my family and my friends, so it hurts,” he said.
“I’ve never been knocked out in 50 pro fights. Usman showed me something that he didn’t show in the first fight. I didn’t feel his power, and that’s what happens when you get overconfident. I thought we were going to wrestle more.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Over 86,000 foreign nationals repatriated from South Africa in two months: Official
Ms Kubayi said Malawians had continued to make up the largest group, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.

World
Global oil prices hit $100 per barrel as conflicts worsen in Middle East
Iran attacked U.S. targets in the Middle East on Wednesday in retaliation for the American strikes on their oil tankers.

NationWide
Davido speaks on Dangote’s longstanding relationship with his family
“Aliko Dangote drove my mom home from the hospital when she gave birth to me,” he said.

Heading 2
300 flights cancelled in UK over technical problems
Despite Ms Alexander’s confirmation that the issue has been resolved, close to 300 flights had been cancelled across the UK on Wednesday.

World
Mexican president urges U.S. to help fight drug trafficking
The U.S. must do its part in the anti-narcotics fight, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said amid alleged corruption at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

States
PDP disowns Osun governorship election tribunal petition
The Peoples Democratic Party has disowned an election petition filed in its name challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 Osun governorship poll.





