Kamaru Usman had the antidote for Demian Maia’s venom.
A crushing sprawl, superior athleticism and efficient standup spurred Usman to a unanimous decision over Maia in the UFC Fight Night 129 headliner on Saturday at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Scores were 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 for Usman (13-1, 8-0 UFC), whose stock continues to soar in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division.
Only the first round was competitive. A replacement for the injured Santiago Ponzinibbio, Maia (25-9, 19-9 UFC) spent the last 20 minutes shooting low-percentage takedowns, eating punches and backpedaling around the cage.