Kamaru Usman put the welterweight division on notice on Saturday after knocking out Sergio Moraes in the first round at UFC Fight Night 116 in Pittsburgh.
Usman was ranked No. 13 in the 170-pound division heading into the fight and extended hi
s winning streak to 10 consecutive fights. “The Nigerian Nightmare” wanted to make a statement against Moraes and did. He handed the Brazilian is first loss since 2012.
The two met in the center of the cage and threw heavy shots. Usman delivered low leg kicks and pressed forward. He knocked Moraes down early in the fight, but Moraes quickly got back to his feet. Moraes planted on his feet and unloaded counter punches as Usman closed the distance. He landed some, but not enough.
Midway through the opening round, Usman stepped in with a right hand that connected perfectly on Moraes’ chin and left him face-planted on the canvas. There was no need to follow up with more strikes.
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