UFC 258: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns Preview, Odds, Prediction

It’s Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns for the UFC welterweight title. This match is a headliner UFC 258, and the one that many awaited to see. On one side, we have the champion, Usman, who already became one of the best fighters in the entire organization. Across the octagon is Gilbert “Durinho” Burns, the one guy that might stop Usman. The Brazilian’s latest few events have been impressive, and he aims to make a big surprise and dethrone the “Nigerian Nightmare,” who is a big favorite for winning the bout.

Preview

Kamaru Usman (-230) is the guy who keeps going forward and takes all the hits, only to reach his rivals and then starting his grinding. So far, we haven’t seen a guy the division able of taking that many hits in the head without at least being shaken for a while, let alone keeps going forward as if nothing happened.

And once you see Kamaru’s previous opponents, all this has an even greater significance. Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Rafael do Anjos, Demian Maia, and the most recent Jorge Masvidal.

The fight against Masvidal took place only because Burns tested positive on COVID-19, and the Brazilian had to withdraw a few days before the event. Usman defeated Gamebred with a unanimous decision, the fifth in the past six events. The only fight that didn’t end in such a manner was his first title defense against Colby, whom he had TKOd in the fifth round.

Gilbert Burns (+270) is the fighter that exploded in the past few years, posting six straight wins, all of them very confident. Even though there were many decision victories during that streak, Burns was dominant in each fight here. For instance, the one which earned him the chance to fight for the title, against Woodley, was all about the Brazilian.

He was destroying the former champion all over the ring in five consecutive rounds, displaying his entire arsenal of weapons while punishing the American.

What is important to say about Burns is that he really does have numerous ways of hurting the opponent, starting with excellent grappling, which is one of his biggest strengths. On the other side, his physics allows him to have one of the most devastating knockout powers in the division. Just look how this guy punches, and everything will be clear to you.

Prediction

We really expect to see this one going back and forth, with two fantastic athletes whose physical shape is among the best in the organization. There is no need to explain anything about Usman and Burns anymore, as these two guys are, without a doubt topping the welterweight division when it comes down to the physical aspect of the fight.

They are pretty much the same when talking about the tactics. Both are very smart and aren’t ready to rush in some action without 100% of certainty that they will come out as winners from the same. If you check out the record over the last few matches for both, one thing is notable – decision wins. So don’t be too smart but bet on the fight to go to the distance. The odds are -120 on that pick,