UFC 258 results: Kamaru Usman shakes off slow start, demolishes Gilbert Burns

At the outset of the UFC 258 main event, it appeared UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman finally was in for a real fight when former training partner Gilbert Burns got off to a fast start.

But Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) regained his composure and took over the fight and proved why he’s on his way to becoming the dominant champion the 170-pound weight class hasn’t had since Georges St-Pierre relinquished the belt more than seven years ago.

Usman used pinpoint, lethal striking to take over in the second round before finishing him in the third and retained his title with a TKO at the 0:34 mark of the round.

“This was a very, very tough one because of the whole gym situation,” Usman said. “You cannot disrespect what Burns has done. We started together and he showed it tonight.”

With the win, Usman now has won 17 straight fights, including all 13 of his UFC bouts, which eclipsed St-Pierre’s record winning streak in the division. He also tied Khabib Nurmagomedov for most consecutive wins to start his UFC career, second only to Anderson Silva (16).

Burns (19-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) got off to a fast start andn scored with big overhand rights out of the gate – one of which dropped Usman. The champ dropped Burns with a head kick, and then stayed standing and spent the next minute-plus peppering the downed Burns with kicks.

The rest of the first round was competitive, but it was clear Usman was picking up steam. In the second round, Usman’s nasty jabs landed over and over, slowly wearing Burns down and sapping his will.

Burns was in danger late in the round, but covered up and made it to the horn. But Usman wasted little time finish the job in the third, dropping him again and landing big bombs until referee Herb Dean waved things off.

“I’m the varsity guy,” Usman said. “My fight IQ is different.”

With his 10th career finish, Usman now has successfully defended his title three times. Burns had a six-fight winning streak snapped.

Complete UFC 258 results:

• Kamaru Usman def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (punches) — Round 3, 0:34
• Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Kelvin Gastelum def. Ian Heinisch via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 3, 4:17
• Anthony Hernandez def. Rodolfo Vieira via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 1:53
• Belal Muhammad def. Dhiego Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Polyana Viana def. Mallory Martin via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:18
• Chris Gutierrez def. Andre Ewell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 30-27)
• Gabe Green def. Phil Rowe via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)