Kamaru Usman dominates Tyron Woodley to claim UFC welterweight title
The Nigerian became the UFC’s first African champion after dominating Tyron Woodley to claim welterweight title
KAMARU USMAN became the UFC’s first African champion after dominating Tyron Woodley to claim the welterweight title.
Usman dominated the American from the get-go becoming the first man to out-grapple Woodley as he stamped his authority early on.
The challenger landed a big elbow in the second round and proceeded to pick up Woodley and slam the champion to the floor in a devastating show of power.
Usman landed big elbows on the ground as the champion struggled for breath from the bottom.
In round three Woodley came out throwing the right hand only for the challenger to duck under and again initiate the clinch.
Usman backed his man up and hammered home hooks to the body as Woodley stood helpless against the cage.
Going into the fourth round and the fight broke into life as the pair exchanged in the pocket - with Usman landing with big knees and elbows.
Woodley replied with a knee that momentarily hurt his man, but so exhausted was the champion he had no means of following it up.
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A fresher and fearsome Usman replied with viscous hooks that backed the champion up and hurt Woodley.
In the last round Usman secured the win by taking down his opponent with an emphatic dump and controlling the final five minutes from the top.
As the fight ended it was clear the UFC had a new sheriff in town as Usman picked up the UFC welterweight title via unanimous decision.
After the fight, Usman said: “I might not be the best striker in the world, I might not be the best wrestler.
“But when it comes to mixing this s***, I’m the best f***ing welterweight in the world right now.
“When you talk about the greatest welterweights of all time, that man (Woodley) needs to be in the conversation.”