Kamaru Usman suffered his third consecutive career defeat in the middleweight bout against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event at UFC 294 on Saturday night.

˜The Nigerian Nightmare, with only 10 days notice, replaced Paulo Costa after the Brazilian had undergone consecutive elbow surgeries just before the fight. Competing on short notice, the former UFC welterweight champion not only performed admirably in a different weight class but also against one of the sport's most intimidating opponents.

However, when it came to grappling, Khamzat Chimaev's skills shone, earning him two scores of 29-27 for his early ground control of Kamaru Usman. One judge scored it as a draw, 28-28, likely in recognition of Usman's late resurgence.

During a backstage post-fight interview with Megan Olivi, Kamaru Usman appeared emotional and had difficulty expressing himself after his loss. (Text, excluding headline: Sportskeeda)