Kamaru Usman defeated Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision to retain the welterweight title at UFC 251 Saturday night.

It wasn't the prettiest fight. Usman and Masvidal wrestled at the sides of the Octagon for a majority of the fight. Masvidal was struck by Usman's shoulder, stomped at his feet, and received hard punches to the body.

Fox News noted that Masvidal looked like he had some excellent strikes for the first two rounds, but Usman gained control for the rest of the fight.

ESPN reported that Usman, who had gotten an opponent on a week's notice, made his strategy clear: grind and wear out his opponent. It worked, and it appeared like Masvidal was trying to end things early.

The unanimous win (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) let Usman retain his run through the Octagon. He has not lost since his second pro bout in 2013, and this was his second title defense.

It was the main event matchup, and it took place at Flash Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, MMA Junkie reported. The report also listed reactions on Twitter that called the match 'boring'.

It was Masvidal's first time on a title fight and his first loss since the year 2017.

Usman vs. Masvidal came together in about a week only.

The match was set only in the past eight days. Gilbert Burns, Usman's scheduled opponent, tested positive for the coronavirus on July 3, just as he was about to leave for Abu Dhabi.

UFC came to terms with Masvidal over the Fourth of July weekend. Masvidal refused the offer for the fight six weeks ago, but he was placed into the fight as a late replacement.

Despite the short notice, Masvidal secured a contract that was to his liking.

Usman called Masvidal the "biggest, baddest dude out there right now" when he talked to UFC play-by-play announcer Jon Anik.

He told Anik that he had to "switch gears" when his supposed opponent was replaced. "I had to make a mental shift. I trained for Gilbert. I had a completely different game plan," he said.

The two MMA fighters have been feuding for quite some time. They nearly came to blows in a Miami Super Bowl week early this year.

What comes next for Usman?

In a post-fight news conference, UFC president Dana White said Burns would be the next one for Usman. He thinks the fight between Burns and Usman will be "a really, really good fight."

Usman won 12 straight wins, making him tie with the lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for having the longest active winning streak in UFC. The number is also tied with Georges St-Pierre's winning streak in UFC welterweight history.

The Flash Forum was branded the "Fight Island" for the month-long series of events. It is inside a "safe zone," where only those who have been tested of COVID-19 multiple times can be allowed in.

The people tested include the UFC fighters, their corner people, staff, and local workers.

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