Reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has been dominating opponents ever since his UFC debut.
Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) took part in Season 21 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he represented his former gym The Blackzilians. He won two fights in the house, leading to his selection for the finale showdown with American Top Team’s Hayder Hassan.
Usman proved to be the right choice, as he was able to shut down Hassan’s power early, using his strong wrestling to control the fight. After outmuscling Hassan in the clinch, Usman dragged the fight to the mat, as he outgrappled his man in Round 1.
There was more of the same from Usman in Round 2, as he capitalized on Hassan’s aggressive start by landing a takedown. He dominated top position, secured full mount, then transitioned into an arm-triangle choke to secure the submission win and capture the season victory for his team.
Since that debut victory, Usman has won 10 in a row, and captured the UFC welterweight title with a dominant win over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in 2019. Most recently, he notched his first title defense in a barnburner against Colby Covington last December, and remains unbeaten in the UFC.
Usman’s is expected to defend his title against Jorge Masvidal sometime in the summer, if the UFC is back and running by then. In the meantime, check out Usman’s debut victory over Hassan in the video above.
UFC free fight: Kamaru Usman crowned 'Ultimate Fighter' in debut