The main event of UFC 258 between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns was filled with emotion. The friends and teammates built up a high level of intensity in the lead-up to the fight and then unleashed it against one another inside the cage at the UFC Apex on Saturday night.
Burns came out of the gate hot and hurt Usman, but the defending UFC welterweight champion ultimately earned the TKO victory over Burns in the third round. The pair embraced in a long hug in the middle of the cage after of the fight, seemingly mending any hard feelings.
UFC fighters immediately took to social media to discuss the knockout, the fight, the embrace and more.
I took your nose on 6 days. 3 weeks I take the belt. Full camp I take your head #theresurrection
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) February 12, 2021
Congratulations my brother 👊👑🇳🇬#UFC258 pic.twitter.com/UHF5TTLLaN
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 14, 2021
Respect over everything! https://t.co/KDN7NRJf27
— Herbert Burns (@HerbertBurnsMMA) February 14, 2021
You wish you could see us spar. @USMAN84kg only guy I train with that gets stronger as the round gets higher. Also a work ethic second to none. 🙏
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) February 14, 2021
Well seeing as how I'm the only guy in the top 5 that Usman hasn't fought yet....I guess I'm next...makes sense right? Great performance @USMAN84kg ! #ufc258
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) February 14, 2021
What an impressive performance by the champ! That jab was a game changer..
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) February 14, 2021
Sucks to have to fight a teammate like that but that's the fight game #UFC258
Usman came to play. Respect is earned. #UFC258
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 14, 2021
Had a feeling Gilbert could pull it out. But Kamaru remains an unsolvable problem at this point. The champ is beyond good. #ufc258
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 14, 2021
Kamaru Usman is a bad man!!!!! @USMAN84kg #andstill
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 14, 2021
WOW!!! That's a BAAAAD MAN!#UFC258
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 14, 2021
I can't imagine what it would be like to fight a teammate. Kudos to both men @USMAN84kg and @GilbertDurinho. Great performance. #UFC258
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) February 14, 2021
Dang the moment Kamaru and Gilbert spent after the fight shows how emotional combative sports are. Both guys showed tremendous heart tonight, great to watch.
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) February 14, 2021
Congrats @USMAN84kg
— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) February 14, 2021
You rep the division well!!! 🏆#ufc258
Burns looked great in the first. I'm sure he'll be back 👏🏽 #UFC258
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) February 14, 2021
Still never been taken down @USMAN84kg
— Beast Boy (@MikeDavisMMA) February 14, 2021
Damn impressive