In the co-main event of UFC 294 on Saturday night, Kamaru Usman was defeated for the third time in his career in a middleweight contest against Khamzat Chimaev.
With barely 10 days’ notice, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ replaced Paulo Costa, who had undergone two elbow operations just before the bout. On short notice, the former UFC welterweight champion performed well not only in a different weight class but also against one of the sport’s most intimidating opponents.
However, Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling talents peeked through, earning him two 29-27 scores for his early ground control of Kamaru Usman. One judge scored it 28-28, perhaps in acknowledgment of Usman’s late comeback.
Kamaru Usman appeared sad and had difficulties expressing himself after his loss during a backstage post-fight interview with Megan Olivi. (Text omitting the headline: Sportskeeda)