(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Gilbert Burns after UFC 258 loss?)
Can anyone at welterweight threaten Kamaru Usman’s title reign after UFC 258? That’s the new big question coming out of a sensational victory over Gilbert Burns in the main event.
After a brief moment of early adversity, Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) tore Burns (19-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) apart piece by piece until he secured a third-round TKO to retain his 170-pound title for the third consecutive time. The fight headlined UFC 258 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” is getting more formidable every time he enters that octagon, and he’s yet to be figured out in 13 consecutive fights. Many perceived Burns to be the biggest test of Usman’s career thus far, and though there were flashes that proved that argument true, the champion left with the title around his waist and moves on to the next challenge.
Who will that challenge be, though? Usman made it very clear in the aftermath of UFC 258 that a rematch with Jorge Masvidal, whom he beat in a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 251 this past July, is his most preferred opponent. But is Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC) the fight to make?
Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Usman’s future coming out of UFC 258, including who should be next for the champ.
Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for champ Kamaru Usman after UFC 258 title defense?