Kamaru Usman has defeated Jorge Masvidal to retain his welterweight championship in a unanimous decision at UFC 251 in the United Arab Emirates.

Masvidal, who was called in as a last-minute replacement after Gilbert Burns tested positive for coronavirus, had called Usman “mentally weak” prior to the fight.

But the judges found Usman a.k.a The Nigerian Nightmare too strong as they scored the fight 50-45 50-45 and 49-46 in his favour on Sunday morning, allowing the Nigerian-American to equal Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record of 12 consecutive UFC wins.

Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title by defeating former champion Max Holloway for a second time.

Volkanovski won via split decision, with the American strong through the first three rounds before takedowns in the fourth and fifth rounds sealed it for the Australian.

Earlier, County Durham bantamweight Davey Grant survived a broken jaw as he claimed a knockout win over American Martin Day in the third round.

Grant was dropped by a punch in the first round before slugging his way through the second and third until his left hook knocked Day to the canvas.

•Adapted from a Sky Sports report. PHOTO: Kamaru Usman landing a kick on challenger Jorge Masvidal during their UFC 251 in the United Arab Emirates