UFC 258 Review

Maki Pitolo vs. Julian Marquez

Middleweight Fight

This fight certainly made a big turn in the 2nd round.  The first was all Pitolo, he nearly got a finish with a submission.  The 2nd picked up in a similar fashion, but Marquez turned things around with a submission attempt of his own.  Marquez maintained control until about halfway through the 3rd when Pitolo went for another choke.  Marquez worked his way back to his feet and caught Pitolo with some big shots before locking in his own guillotine for the win.  This was a great fight, and Marquez just added a very impressive feather in his cap.

Rating: 8.5/10

Ricky Simon vs. Brian Kelleher

Bantamweight Fight

This was a pretty one sided fight.  Kelleher had his moments, but Simon kept control throughout.  Simon seemed ready and energized and came out so aggressively in the first round that Kelleher couldn’t seem to get back into things.  Simon should start climbing cards in the near future, 18 wins is too many to be basically opening PPV’s.

Rating: 6/10

Result: Unanimous Decision for Ricky Simon

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ian Heinisch

Middleweight Fight

Gastelum was out to prove something early by scoring 3 takedowns in the first round.  Gastelum has an answer for everything Heinisch threw at him.  After a very impressive combination topped off with a flying knee from Heinisch the result was Gastelum in control after another takedown.  Gastelum simply ran things in the 3rd round, countering everything and scoring takedown after takedown.  This was a systematic understanding of how to beat your opponent.

Rating: 7/10

Result: Unanimous Decision for Kelvin Gastelum

Maycee Barber vs. Alexa Grasso

Women’s Flyweight Fight

This fight was not what we expected.  Alexa Grasso who is well known for her stand up ability showed an incredible ability to grapple after being taken down by working into top position after an armbar attempt.  Barber tried her best by emptying the tank in the 3rd round, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the incredibly precise striking of Grasso.

Rating: 8/10

Main Event

Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns

Welterweight Championship Fight

The first round showed what this fight was meant to be.  Burns caught Usman early with a big shot and followed up by laying on his back and trying to coax Usman into grappling.  Usman didn’t take the bait and threw body shots until Burns got back to his feet.  The two exchanged from the remainder of the round at a lightning pace.  The 2nd round was more or less a wash, but the 3rd was the decider.  Usman caught Burns good enough to bring him down and followed up with big shots in the ground and pound.  The ref stopped it when it was just a matter of time.  Burns couldn’t capitalize on the early chances he had and was too focused on trying to make Usman play his game.  Usman is the dominant champion he is for a reason.  I’m not sure about calling out Jorge Masvidal, but Usman has never shied away from a challenge.

Rating: 8/10

Result: 3rd Round TKO for Kamaru Usman