Kamaru Usman wasn't exactly full of sympathy on Saturday night when he learnt that one punter had lost $200,000 betting on his opponent Jorge Masvidal.
On only six day's notice and coming up against a man who didn't suit his style, and has dominated the welterweight division, it was no surprise that Masvidal went into UFC 251 as a big outsider.
Gamebred's intensity, refusal to quit and penchant for upsetting the odds did convince someone to bet two 'dimes' on him beating Usman.
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It turned out to be a losing bet, with the welterweight champion dominating for much of the five rounds. Afterwards Usman was told about the bet and all he had to say was 'whoops.'
The Nigerian Nightmare hopefully has a point, that whoever did place the bet doesn't need the money and won't be missing it. Considering it was placed in Las Vegas though, you can't be sure it wasn't someone who just got a little carried away with his winnings.
Usman certainly wasn't allowed to get carried away with his win in the octagon as fans on social media rushed to criticise him for a 'boring' fight, in which he negated his opponents striking talents by wrapping him up in clinches and attempting takedowns.
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The 33-year-old defended himself by comparing his style to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and hit back at criticism whilst fighters 'risked their lives.'
Masvidal took the fight on six day's notice, after Gilbert Burns had to pull out for testing positive for Covid-19, and he came out of the blocks strong before the welterweight champion started turning the screw.
After the fight there was respect shown between the pair, that has often been lacking in their rivalry, and the 35-year-old told his victor 'I'll get a couple of wins and we'll run this back.'
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Usman in the meantime is set to face Burns next, with the Brazilian having most recently defeated former welterweight champion, and the man the Nigerian Nightmare beat for the title, Tyron Woodley.
Will Masvidal get a second chance at the title an do you think he can win with a proper camp behind him? Let us know in the comments.
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Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย Fight Island, Jorge Masvidal, UFC News, MMA News, Sports betting, UFC 251, UFC, MMA, Kamaru Usman
