Defining Fights: UFC 258 headliner Kamaru Usman

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman returns to action at UFC 258 as he looks to defend his 170-pound title for the third time.

Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) will take on top contender and former training partner Gilbert Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the main event at the UFC Apex as he bids to cement his status as the UFC’s premier 170-pound fighter.

“The Nigerian Nightmare” was twice booked to face Burns, with their original booking at UFC 251 nixed after the Brazilian challenger tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequent plans to match the pair at UFC 258 last December also fell by the wayside due to the champion not being fit enough to compete.

Now the pair will face off at UFC 258, which takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event streams on pay-per-view on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Ahead of his main event clash with Burns on Saturday, we take a look at six fights that have helped define Usman’s UFC career to date.