UFC 251: Usman Vs Masdival Rundown & Early UFC 261 Preview

UFC 261: Usman Vs Masdival Rundown & Early UFC 261 Preview

Written by on April 19, 2021

We have grown accustomed to seeing the UFC put on big events every weekend, but you quickly learn that some are bigger than others. This weekend will see one of the best looking main cards that we have had in a while, as it will feature no less than 3 title fights. Each are great in their own right, but it is the headliner featuring Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal that is the pick of the bunch. After all, who doesn’t like a rematch between a pair of great fighters. In this piece, we will take a quick look at their first fight, while also checking out the rest of the main card so you can get all set to make your bets against their UFC odds for the upcoming fight.

UFC Recap of Usman Vs Masvidal 1 and MMA Early Analysis for UFC 261

Masvidal and Usman first met at UFC, which just happened to be the first event on Fight Island, back in July of 2020. At the time, the bout was considered to be a bit of a disappointment by some given that Gilbert Burns had to pull out of the title fight after testing positive for COVID-19. Masvidal, who was ranked #3 in the Welterweight division at the time, was the obvious replacement, but we all knew that coming into a title fight on just 6 days’ notice is not ideal for any fighter.

Making thing even tougher for Masvidal was the fact that he needed to quarantine in Las Vegas before heading to Fight Island, and then having to quarantine again after landing. The fact that he was able to stay with the champion and take the fight the distance was a tribute to his skills as a fighter. In the end, though, it was a lopsided affair, which was not totally surprising given the circumstances. Both men will be on equal footing this time around, which should make for a much better fight.

Looking Ahead to UFC 261

Besides the fight between Masvidal and Usman, we have two more title fights on the main card, both of which are on the women’s side of things. Welli Zhang will defend her Strawweight title against Rose Namajunas in the co-main event of the night. In the other title bout, we will see Valentina Shevchenko try to defend her Flyweight belt against Jessica Andrade in a fight that promises to be a beauty.

Three title fights on the same card is more than enough to create a compelling main card, but we also have two other fights on there, too. The main card will open up With a Light Heavyweight bout between Anthony Smith and Jimmy Crute. That one is experience against an up and comer and is an interesting fight to start the night. That one will be followed by a Middleweight bout between Chris Weidman and Uriah Hall in what has the potential to be an explosive bout.

Later this week, we will dig a little deeper into the main card and offer up some picks and predictions, so be sure to check back in for that.

 
 

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