The rivalry between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal has become one of the most captivating storylines in UFC history. Their two bouts in 2020 and 2021 showcased both intense competition and surprising behind-the-scenes drama that few could have predicted. Both fights were pivotal in shaping the careers of these two fighters, but what really went on behind the scenes? Let’s take a closer look at the crazy details that made their feud unforgettable.
The First Fight: Usman vs. Masvidal – A Last-Minute Battle
The first fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal took place on July 11, 2020, at UFC 251 on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Originally, Masvidal wasn’t supposed to fight Usman, as he wasn’t initially booked for the title shot. Instead, it was Gilbert Burns who was scheduled to challenge Usman for the welterweight title. However, just days before the event, Burns tested positive for COVID-19, leaving the UFC in a scramble to find a replacement.
Masvidal, who had just pulled off one of the biggest upsets of his career by knocking out Ben Askren in just five seconds in 2019, wasn’t the first choice to step in. But with the circumstances surrounding the fight, and the fact that Masvidal had been vocal about his title aspirations, he was called on to replace Burns. However, there was one catch: Masvidal had less than a week to prepare for the fight.
Despite the short notice, Masvidal agreed to the fight, which made the build-up even more intriguing. Fans and analysts alike wondered how Masvidal, who was coming off a dominant win streak, would match up against Usman, one of the most dominant wrestlers in UFC history.
The Build-Up: Trash Talk and Mental Warfare
Leading up to the fight, Masvidal did what he does best—he used his mouth to get under his opponent’s skin. The two fighters exchanged personal barbs, with Masvidal claiming that Usman didn’t have the heart or skill to take him on. Usman, on the other hand, stayed focused on his goal: defending his title and proving he was the true champion. But the trash talk wasn’t just part of the marketing; it was mental warfare.
Masvidal knew that fighting someone with Usman’s grappling ability would be incredibly difficult, so he spent the week mentally preparing for the challenge. He also trained with a reduced camp, which led to some serious challenges. Meanwhile, Usman’s camp was fully prepared, with the Nigerian Nightmare looking to prove his dominance in a division that was still skeptical of his abilities outside of wrestling.
In the end, Usman dominated the fight, taking Masvidal down repeatedly and controlling the action with his superior wrestling. The fight went the full five rounds, and Usman earned a unanimous decision victory.
The Aftermath: What Happened Next?
While Usman’s victory over Masvidal was clear, the aftermath of the fight told a different story. Masvidal was clearly frustrated with the result, and in interviews, he hinted that the lack of preparation and the short notice were major factors in his performance. Fans began speculating about a potential rematch, especially since Masvidal believed he could perform better with a full camp.
On the other hand, Usman’s victory cemented his place as one of the greatest fighters in the UFC welterweight division. But the tension between the two fighters wasn’t over, and many fans started pushing for a rematch, especially given the fact that Masvidal felt there were unresolved issues between the two.
The Rematch: Masvidal vs. Usman – A Shocking Turn of Events
The rematch between Usman and Masvidal was officially announced for April 24, 2021, at UFC 261. This time, Masvidal had the full training camp he had desperately needed. The buildup was full of anticipation, with Masvidal promising to do everything in his power to knock out Usman and prove that the first fight was a fluke.
However, in the rematch, Usman showed just how much he had grown as a fighter. Usman not only showcased his wrestling but also evolved as a striker. In the second round, he landed a devastating right hook that knocked Masvidal out cold, securing one of the most iconic finishes in UFC history. The knockout was brutal, and Masvidal’s confidence in his own ability to beat Usman quickly dissipated.
The aftermath of the second fight was even more intense. Usman’s victory sent a clear message that he was not just a dominant wrestler but a well-rounded fighter capable of adapting his game to take on the best in the world. Masvidal, on the other hand, was left with the difficult task of re-evaluating his place in the welterweight division.
Behind the Scenes: The Pressure of Being a Superstar
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Usman-Masvidal rivalry was the pressure each fighter faced in the lead-up to their bouts. For Usman, it was about proving that his first win was no fluke and silencing doubters who still questioned his striking abilities. For Masvidal, the pressure was immense, especially after his rise in popularity following his viral knockout of Ben Askren.
Masvidal also had to contend with the expectations of the fans, many of whom saw him as the people’s champion. The pressure of trying to live up to that image was undeniable. As he prepared for the rematch, Masvidal made it clear that he was coming with a new mindset and a new strategy. But despite all the preparation and hype, Usman proved that his previous win wasn’t a coincidence.
A Rivalry That Keeps On Giving
Despite the two brutal losses, Masvidal’s status as a fan favorite has not diminished. He remains one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, known for his street fighting background, knockout power, and larger-than-life personality. For Usman, the rivalry with Masvidal has solidified his position as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, and it opened the door for potential super fights in the future.
Their rivalry was more than just two fighters facing off inside the octagon. It was a story of high stakes, personal pressure, and unrelenting mental warfare. And while the second fight ended with Usman’s dominance, the story of their rivalry continues to be one of the most memorable in UFC history.
As fans continue to watch these two warriors’ careers unfold, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Usman and Masvidal. Will Masvidal get another shot at the title, or will Usman’s reign continue unchallenged? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: their rivalry has made its mark on the sport forever.
