Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal, fan favorite and one of the more entertaining and exciting fighters on the roster, takes on Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman. Usman has won 15 in a row and is about as dominant of a wrestling-based fighter as there is out there this side of Khabib Nurmagomedov. But Usman gets a rap as a rather boring fighter to watch with his heavy clinch and wrestling-based style. Despite putting some dominant performances in tape, Usman rarely finishes a fight in exciting fashion.
On the other hand, Gamebred rides into this title fight on the back of three incredible finishes in 2019 against Darren Till, Ben Asken and Name Diaz
Round 1
Hard low kicks for Masvidal early. Usman catches a low kick and puts Masvidal on his back. Good hard shots from Masvidal in bottom position to Usman’s head. Usman attacks Masvidal’s body. Usman with a single leg attempt that Masvidal stuffs. Usman with the clinch control on the cage. Straight left lands for Jorge. Two good hard left hooks land for Jorge.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Masvidal
Round 2
An Usman takedown attempt stuffed by Masvidal. Usman trying to wear down Masvidal with clinch control against the cage. Usman earning his well-established reputation as a boring fighter here. Good right hand by Usman on the clinch break. Usman once more controlling the clinch as Gamebred is up against the cage. Usman has effectively slowed the pace of the fight. Good left hand by Usman on the break. Some nice boxing for a short while from Masvidal just before the round end.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Usman
Round 3
A couple low kicks for Masvidal early. Usman once more with the clinch control. Jon Anik announces that Usman has 88 clinch strikes. And more than 5 minutes of clinch control time. Nice kick to the body by Gamebred. Masvidal stops another takedown attempt. But Usman is back in clinch control. Midway through the round there is a referee stoppage as Masvidal suffers a low blow. Gamebred seems to be wisely milking the break in action for recovery. Powerful takedown scored by Usman as he lifts and twists Masvidal to the ground. Usman in top position lands some good ground strikes to close out the round.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Usman
Round 4
Masvidal stuffs an early takedown attempt. But right back to clinch control for Usman. More foot stomps by Usman. He has utilized that technique repeatedly in the clinch throughout the fight. After the clinch break, Usman lands a takedown along the fence. Masvidal works his way back to the feet. Masvidal throwing elbows from the clinch and forces the retreat from Usman. Big left hook for Usman. Usman closes the round with more clinch time.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Usman
Round 5
Nice counter hook from Masvidal. But Usman scores a takedown. Usman lands some elbows. Usman with a lot of top control time. Masvidal works his way to his feet late and throws some desperation techniques but none were close to landing and putting Usman in trouble.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Usman
Official decision – Unanimous decision victory for Usman (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)