UFC 251 was held in the hot and humid weather of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and as perfectly timed as it could have been, it was one of the most awaited cards of the year. The headliner? Welterweight title fight between the titleholder Kamaru Usman and the ever-lethal Jorge Gamebred. It was not just an opportunity to defend his title but a smashing together of styles, toughness, and narratives: Usman making it hard, Masvidal on the streets. What happened was a test of stamina, tactics and title determination.
As for fans who want a UFC 251 breakdown that is an absolute breakdown, you belong here. The writer has gone into details of the match, the round-by-round fight and a full table of fight statistics that give a clear indication of how the match progressed.
Background: Fight Island, High Stakes UFC 251
UFC 251 could not have been any other ordinary pay-per-view unless it was the ambitious venture of Dana White that introduced the sports world to the concept of the Fight Island, which brought us combat sports in the midst of a global pandemic. Taking place on July 11, 2020, the event contained three title matches, but it was all about Kamaru Usman versus Jorge Masvidal.
Usman was originally scheduled to fight Gilbert Burns, but Burns was unable to contest after testing positive for COVID-19, and Masvidal agreed to accept the fight on six days notice. After securing that fight with just one week of preparation, Masvidal brought the story of the underdog and the fan-favorite fighter going after the force of nature champion.
Analysis of Live Blog Round-by-Round
Round 1: 52 to Ball: Fireworks since the Start
The match began at a blistering rate considering that it was a shortened notice. Masvidal quickly pressed on the attack with clean low kicks and Usman was forced to act. Usman countered by early takedown but Masvidal was busy on the ground and got to his feet.
The communications were made. Usman drank the elbows and body shots of Masvidal in the clinch and even received a decent counter that cut. Thuds filled the crowd-less arena and the two fighters had left it all in their hands. The round was concluded as a narrow decision on the feet in favor of Masvidal.
MMAFighting Score: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 2: Usman Turns Up the Grind
In Round 2, Usman changed strategies and began to go into a clinch-oriented style of fighting. He constantly backed Masvidal on the fence, dropped foot stomps, short punches to the body, and broke the rhythm of Gamebred.
Masvidal still did well to resist takedowns with good hip shakes and underhooks but his stamina was clearly going down. The logic of the Usman game plan was clear: weaken him by harassing and speeding him.
MMAFighting Score: 10-9 Usman (19-19 overall)
Round 3: The Champion is in charge
At this point, it was evidently taking a toll on the cardio of Masvidal. Usman followed up on his wall-and-maul approach and forced Masvidal back into the cage and pulled him down on the mat. Jorge flew in occasionally with an elbow and a kick to the body but the champ absorbed them and continued to move in mercilessly.
Usman finally ended up in a takedown at the end of the round and assumed a dominant position, where he then rode it out until the end of the round with some short elbow strikes before the horn.
MMAFighting Score: 10-9 Usman (29-28 Usman)
Round 4: Strangling overload
Masvidal also emerged urgently but failed to keep off the fence. Usman started with a spectacular kick to the body and once again resorted to clinch work. Masvidal tried to attempt a guillotine choke but Usman surpassed this and once more got top control.
So complete was the grappling that Usman performed that the round featured takedowns and dominance whilst in positions. Masvidal found his way out of a couple of tight areas but never had the space to make a comeback. A late elbow by Usman topped off an otherwise dominant round.
MMAFighting Score: 10-9 Usman (39-37 Usman)
Round 5: Finish Line
Masvidal was in need of a finish and he knew it. He tried some showy stuff, such as a flying knee, but Usman only managed to stay calm, composed and calculated. He countered all the offensive shots and he once more took the challenger against the cage, humbling him to the mat should the occasion require.
The title match was very similar to that, control of position, slow maddening pace, and championship-grade thought. Usman was not trying to make any risks but he did not give Masvidal much space as well.
Score: MMAFighting 10-9 Usman (49-46 Usman)
UFC 251: Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal – Fight Stats
| Category | Kamaru Usman | Jorge Masvidal |
| Total Strikes | 263 | 88 |
| Significant Strikes | $94 | 66 |
| Takedowns | 5/16 | 0/0 |
| Control Time | 16:38 | 0:00 |
| Knockdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Submission Attempts | 0 | 1 (guillotine) |
| Head Strikes | 50 | 45 |
| Body Strikes | 32 | 14 |
| Leg Strikes | 12 | 7 |
| Clinch Strikes | 61 | 23 |
| Ground Strikes | 31 | 0 |
Key Takeaways from UFC 251
1. Usman’s Tactical Brilliance
This wasn’t a flashy performance from the champ, but it was a masterclass in control and discipline. He dictated the pace, nullified Masvidal’s explosiveness, and showcased the depth of his wrestling.
2. Masvidal’s Grit Deserves Respect
Despite the short-notice disadvantage, Masvidal made it a competitive fight early on. His takedown defense held strong for two rounds, and his striking was sharp. With a full camp, a rematch could be far more dangerous.
3. Foot Stomps and Cage Control—The New Meta?
Usman’s use of foot stomps, shoulder strikes, and body work in the clinch frustrated Masvidal and highlighted how small tools, when used consistently, can create big advantages in MMA.
4. Cardio Is King
Masvidal’s decline after Round 1 underlined the importance of conditioning. Usman, by contrast, looked fresh in the fifth, a testament to his preparation and elite-level athleticism.
The Verdict: Usman Retains
There was no last-second KO, no Nate Diaz-style cut stoppage. Usman retained his title via unanimous decision, and though it lacked fireworks, it was dominant, clinical, and undeniable.
Official Scorecards:
- 50–45
- 50–45
- 49–46
Winner: Kamaru Usman (via Unanimous Decision)
Final Thoughts
UFC 251 wasn’t just a fight card—it was a turning point. In the middle of a global pandemic, Dana White’s “Fight Island” gamble paid off, and Kamaru Usman’s reign grew even stronger. The champion showcased elite wrestling, suffocating control, and the heart of a warrior who doesn’t just win—he dominates.
For fans and analysts, UFC 251 offered a crystal-clear lesson: styles make fights, but discipline wins them.
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