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MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the UFC’s top bouts. Today, we look at the main event for UFC 251.
UFC 251 takes place Saturday at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Kamaru Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC)
Staple info:
- Height: 6’0″ Age: 33 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 76″
- Last fight: TKO win over Colby Covington (Dec. 14, 2019)
- Camp: ONX Labs (Denver)
- Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/kickboxing
- Risk management: Excellent
Supplemental info:
+ UFC welterweight champion
+ “The Ultimate Fighter 21” alum
+ NCAA Division-II national champ
+ 3x NCAA All-American
+ 7 KO victories
+ 1 submission win
+ 3 first-round finishes
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Good feints and footwork
+ Improved overall striking
^ Puts together punches well
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Excellent takedown ability
^ In the open or against the fence
+ Superb top game and control
^ Rides and transitions intelligently
Jorge Masvidal (33-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC)
Staple info:
- Height: 5’11” Age: 35 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 74″
- Last fight: TKO win over Nate Diaz (Nov. 2, 2019)
- Camp: American Top Team (Florida)
- Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
- Risk management: Good
Supplemental info:
+ “BMF” belt holder
+ AFC welterweight title
+ Undefeated in the streets
+ 16 KO victories
+ 2 submission wins
+ 8 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Slick boxing technique
^ Accurate shot selection
+ Improved kicking game
+ Solid balance and footwork
+ Active transition and clinch game
^ Strikes well off of the breaks
+ Excellent wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Underrated submission acumen
Point of interest: Sucked into striking?
The main event for UFC 251 features a fun, impromptu fight for the welterweight title.
Originally slated to face Gilbert Burns, champion [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] will now defend his belt against [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag], who officially took this fight on six days notice.
The notion of a fan favorite like Masvidal finally getting his title shot under these circumstances can be somewhat deflating, but lest we not forget what fighters like Michael Bisping or Nate Diaz were able to do when handed life-changing opportunities on short notice. Add in the fact that Masvidal has been staying active as a sparring partner for Dustin Poirier and others during this pandemic, and the Cuban’s timing and fight shape may surprise many.
Nevertheless, regardless of Masvidal’s readiness, he’ll still likely need to suck Usman into some sort of striking battle in order to give himself his best chances to win this contest. And given what we saw from Usman in his last outing, it appears that the champion is as stoic as he is strong, steadily plugging his perceived holes on the feet.
Although Usman has spent this camp over at the ONX Labs with Trevor Wittman, his striking has largely been under the care of Henri Hooft, a Dutch-style striking coach who emphasizes a lot on pressure, power and fundamentals.
In said time, Hooft has been able to help Usman’s power and presence blossom on the feet, throwing shots much smoother in transition and off of breaks. In addition, the Nigeria-born fighter also appears to be a natural when it comes to his footwork.
Whether he is feinting forward or shifting his stance in combination, Usman will persistently corral his opposition toward the cage, attacking them with impunity whenever they step near it. The 33-year-old champion is also smart about shifting away from his opponent’s power side when advancing, all while throwing corralling hooks that help him close space.
Nevertheless, as efficient as this approach has been for Usman, he is still not beyond reproach defensively, which means successfully suffocating space will be crucial against a fighter who is potent in small pockets.
Initially stepping into MMA from the backyard brawling scene, Masvidal has turned into one of the savvier strikers among his contemporaries, operating with the comfort of a longtime veteran. Feinting forward and initiating with his jab, Masvidal has always had a knack for pulling and returning punches with his opponents.
At lightweight, the Cuban’s style and available output had him arguably too comfortable at times, costing him crucial rounds in close fights – fights that many thought he won. That said, we have seen a different iteration of Masvidal since his ascension up the welterweight division.
Now pursuing much more aggressively, Masvidal will mix in his improved kicks off of Thai-style marches. Working well off of his patented left hand, the 17-year vet asserts himself down the centerline with authority, varying between straight shots to the head or hooks to the body.
Masvidal, who seldom extends himself too far out of position, can be hard to hit cleanly more often than not. However, his comfort in exchanges has shown to cost him both blitzes and counters at times, as no one should be surprised if Usman has his moments on the feet.
That said, the sitting champion will still be playing with fire for as long as this fight stays standing.
Next point of interest: Wrestling wrath
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