Kamaru Usman just emphasized why he is the best Welterweight in the UFC against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261. The champion finished Masvidal with a second-round KO which was Masvidal’s second KO loss of his career. But Masvidal has a new-found respect for Usman and his striking, which he believes is the key differentiator ahead of Usman’s rematch with Colby Covington.

Jorge Masvidal predicted Usman to ‘break Colby again’, which gives a very unambiguous answer on who he believes wins the fight. He cites Usman’s striking and better cardio to be the main reason for his choice. If the Usman from their 2019 bout shows up, it may be a rough night for Colby.

‘I think if Kamaru keeps his hands up and fights the same fight he did the first time, he puts a thorough beatdown on him. Colbys gonna try to get some takedowns on him, and it might not work as well. Colby’s gas tank is not the same as other wrestlers, that’s why he didn’t shoot the first fight. Because he knows he’s going to get tired now. As long as Kamaru is in wrestling shape and comes out the same as he did the first time with hands up and pressuring him, I think he breaks him again.”

READ MORE: ‘You Shouldn’t Be Crazy for Beating a Journeyman’- Colby Covington Warns Kamaru Usman After UFC 261 Title Defense

Kamaru Usman: Is he clearly superior to Colby Covington?

Kamaru Usman is way ahead of the competition. He has done such a good job cleaning out the division that he is rematching old foes. Usman beat Masvidal twice in less than 12 months. He beat Covington at UFC 245 and is headed to rematch him. Usman even gave #3 ranked Leon Edward his last loss before his current eight-fight win streak.

The first fight had a very decisive ending with Usman knocking Colby out in the final round. However, Covington had a lot of success in the fourth round that preceded it and most scorecards were split heading into the final round. But Usman didn’t leave it up to chance.

There is no disputing that Usman is better now. He has shown it against Gilbert Burns and now Masvidal, while Covington has fought once since and beat Tyron Woodley when he was on a three-fight skid and broke his rib in their fight.