The UFC 261 event was one of the best MMA events of recent times. This event saw three title matches in which two champions defended their title while we got one new champion. While Kamaru Usman and Valentina Shevchenko defended their titles, and Rose Namajunas won the UFC Women’s strawweight title after she defeated Weili Zhang via a first-round KO.

Everyone touted this match to be one of the best of the night, as Namajunas and Zhang are both incredible competitors. However, no one would have predicted such an ending to the match. After the fight was over, people from all over the world started to congratulate the new champion.

One such person was UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. During the post-fight press conference, Usman talked about ‘Thug Rose’ and her victory.

“Yes, Rose is like I’ve said before, she’s a special athlete and she proved that tonight.”

Usman and Namajunas both train with renowned boxing and MMA coach Trevor Wittman. Therefore, Usman seemed genuinely happy about Namajunas’ victory.

“I saw her, and I saw her train that and I knew that could land, I was ecstatic and I was extremely excited for her. I know how much she put into it and I’m blessed and I’m thankful to be at this moment to see her accomplish that.”

The happiness that Usman showed at Namajunas victory seemed genuine, and it feels like both fighters have genuine love and respect for each other.

Knockout victories for Kamaru Usman and Namajunas

This was the first time there were fans present at the UFC event. Therefore, this event was set up to be one of the best that the UFC could plan. The highlights of the event were set to be the three title defenses.

Also Read: Kamaru Usman Says He is Unaffected by ‘Boos or Cheers’

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Kamaru Usman faced Jorge Masvidal in a rematch of their UFC 251 fight, which Usman had won via a unanimous decision. Even this time around, Usman was clearly the better fighter and defeated ‘Gamebred’ in the second round via KO. This took Usman’s UFC win streak to 14-0. He is now behind only Anderson Silva, who has 16 wins in a row.

While Usman took the fight to the second round, ‘Thug Rose’ ended the fight in 78 seconds. She knocked out Weili Zhang in the first round via a head kick. Both the fighters showed immense talent and character while competing. Therefore, it was great to see them acknowledging each other outside the Octagon.