UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was tested early by his former training partner Gilbert Burns. But he persevered and took over, building a foundation for victory with his laser-sharp jab before finishing Burns with punches in the third round of UFC 258’s headliner.
Usman stopped Burns at the 0:34 mark of the third round to notch the third defense of his welterweight title. Afterward, he called for a rematch with Jorge Masvidal, whom he beat on short notice at UFC 251, to correct deficiencies in his first performance and shut the “BMF” champ’s mouth.
In the co-headliner, Alexa Grasso took home a key win in her second showing as a UFC flyweight, outpointing Maycee Barber in a hard-fought decision.
Here’s what pros had to say about UFC 258.
Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns
Told ya @ufc
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) February 14, 2021
That’s it!
— Jalin Turner (@JalinTurner) February 14, 2021
Yeahhhhhhhh Let’s go Nigerian Nightmare @USMAN84kg @ufc
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 14, 2021
That JAB was everything #UFC258#AndStill
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 14, 2021
WOW!!! That’s a BAAAAD MAN!#UFC258
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 14, 2021
Well damn! That was a dominate performance by @USMAN84kg #UFC258
— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) February 14, 2021
Hell of a performance against a dog too. Great win @USMAN84kg
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) February 14, 2021
What an impressive performance by the champ! That jab was a game changer..
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) February 14, 2021
Sucks to have to fight a teammate like that but that's the fight game #UFC258
You wish you could see us spar. @USMAN84kg only guy I train with that gets stronger as the round gets higher. Also a work ethic second to none.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) February 14, 2021
Seems like the UFC got new cameras, some of these angles are looking so dope
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 14, 2021
Usman came to play. Respect is earned. #UFC258
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 14, 2021
Well seeing as how I’m the only guy in the top 5 that Usman hasn’t fought yet....I guess I’m next...makes sense right? Great performance @USMAN84kg ! #ufc258
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) February 14, 2021
Had a feeling Gilbert could pull it out. But Kamaru remains an unsolvable problem at this point. The champ is beyond good. #ufc258
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 14, 2021
Alexa Grasso def. Macy Barber
So incredible to see the evolution of Alexa Grasso since I first started watching her in Invicta.
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) February 14, 2021
Huge Win for her. She looked great #UFC258
Amazing heart @MayceeBarber your a warrior and will be champion
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 14, 2021
Great fight @AlexaGrasso !!! I’d love to fight you!! #UFC258
— Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) February 14, 2021
#ufc258 Grasso vs Barber... awesome fight !!!
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) February 14, 2021
Kelvin Gastelum def. Ian Heinisch
@KelvinGastelum he really surprised me with his wresling. #ufc258
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) February 14, 2021
Y’all must have forgot
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) February 14, 2021
Great win for @KelvinGastelum !!! Looked sharp! Congrats ! #ufc258
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) February 14, 2021
Good Job Buddy @KelvinGastelum Way To Fight ⚔️ -CSO-
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) February 14, 2021
Gastelum showing his experience in there against a very game Heinisch. #UFC258
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 14, 2021
Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher
Shout out to my dawg @RickySimonUFC for securing the bag. You still suck at Mario Kart though. #UFC258
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) February 14, 2021
Ricky Simon looks like a stud! It would be fun to see him and Clay Guida fight but I think they’re different weight classes. @ufc #ufc258
— Julia Avila (@RagingPandaMMA) February 14, 2021
Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo
You guys....@JMarquezMMA
— Justine Kish (@JustineKish) February 14, 2021
His PT was nothing short of sheer perseverance and hard determination to get back and he DID IT! Wow! Well deserved Julian! IMO that’s a bonus worthy comeback! #UFC #UFCloud #UFC258 #UFCPI
Hell of a come back just to get to the fight and much heart shown by @JMarquezMMA to come back like that. 50k should be coming your way
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) February 14, 2021
Of all the celebrity crushes, Miley Cyrus??? Wtf? Lol
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 14, 2021