UFC 258: Kamaru Usman-Gilbert Burns Ready To Settle Rivalry

Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns have a long-standing rivalry that will finally get settled this Saturday night at UFC 258.

The two were scheduled for last July at UFC 251 but Burns was pulled just days from the event after a positive COVID-19 test in his camp. 

They were again targeted for UFC 256, but Usman was forced out with an injury.

Finally, Usman and Burns are locked in for the Octagon in Las Vegas live on pay-per-view in what should be a blockbuster of a welterweight fight.

The 33-year-old Usman is 17-1 and has two successful title defenses over Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. He claimed the title in 2019 with a convincing one-sided decision over Tyron Woodley.

Later that year, Usman finished Covington before taking on Masvidal on short notice and stopping him. 

Since losing his second pro bout to Jose Caceres in 2013, Usman is unbeaten including a run to the title of The Ultimate Fighter in 2015.

Burns brings in a record of 18-3 with six consecutive wins. Highlighted in that run are wins over Woodley, Demian Maia and Gunnar Nelson. 

He joined the UFC in 2014 after seven wins outside of it. Burns’ run started with three consecutive wins before he hit a bit of a rough patch going 3-3. 

Along with Usman vs. Burns, Maycee Barber battles Alexa Grasso, Kelvin Gastelum takes on Ian Heinisch, Pedro Munhoz faces Jimmie Rivera and Maki Pitolo goes up against Julian Marquez.

The prelims also feature several interesting bouts including Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller, Belal Muhammad vs. Dhiego Lima and Ricky Simon vs. Brian Kelleher.