UFC 258: Usman vs. Burns – Date, Start Time, Live Stream, Full Fight Card, and How to Watch Kamaru Usman Defend Title

UFC 258 is set to deliver a thrilling welterweight championship showdown as Kamaru Usman makes his highly anticipated title defense against former teammate and top contender Gilbert Burns. This event, taking place on Saturday, February 13, 2021, promises a night of high-stakes action and crucial matchups throughout the full fight card. Fans eager to catch every moment of this premier UFC event will need to know the precise details regarding the date, start time, and how to access the live stream for seamless viewing. The main event, featuring Usman and Burns, represents a deeply personal and highly competitive battle with significant implications for the UFC welterweight division.

UFC 258 Date and Venue

UFC 258 is officially scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021. While many recent UFC events have been held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi or within a controlled environment at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, UFC 258 will return to the familiar and iconic UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. This venue has become a regular fixture for UFC Fight Nights and Pay-Per-View events, offering a controlled and fan-friendly atmosphere for a sport that has adapted significantly to current global circumstances. The Apex provides a consistent setting for the athletes to perform at their peak, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the martial arts prowess on display.

UFC 258 Main Event Start Time

The main event, featuring Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns for the UFC Welterweight Championship, is slated for approximately 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT on Saturday, February 13, 2021. It’s important to note that this is an approximate start time and can shift slightly depending on the duration of the undercard bouts. For viewers in the United Kingdom, this translates to a late-night viewing experience, with the main event expected to begin around 3:30 AM GMT on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Planning your viewing schedule accordingly is essential to ensure you don’t miss the crucial championship fight.

UFC 258 Full Fight Card

The UFC 258 fight card is packed with exciting matchups across various weight classes, leading up to the main event. While the exact order can sometimes see minor adjustments, the preliminary and main card bouts are as follows:

Main Card (approx. 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT):

• Main Event: Welterweight Championship: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
• Co-Main Event: Middleweight Bout: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ian Heinisch
• Middleweight Bout: Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier
• Women’s Flyweight Bout: Maycee Barber vs. Alexa Grasso
• Welterweight Bout: Dhiego Lima vs. Belal Muhammad

Preliminary Card (approx. 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT):

• Bantamweight Bout: Ricky Simon vs. Brian Kelleher
• Middleweight Bout: Maki Pitolo vs. Julian Marquez
• Women’s Flyweight Bout: Polyana Viana vs. Mallory Martin
• Featherweight Bout: Gabriel Benitez vs. Jonathan Pearce

Early Preliminary Card (approx. 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT):

• Bantamweight Bout: Andre Ewell vs. Chris Gutierrez
• Featherweight Bout: Tyson Nam vs. Miguel Baeza

This comprehensive fight card ensures a full night of entertainment for mixed martial arts enthusiasts, featuring a mix of rising contenders, established veterans, and championship-caliber talent. The strategic placement of bouts aims to build excitement progressively towards the highly anticipated main event.

How to Watch UFC 258 Live Stream and Broadcast Information

For fans in the United States, the primary way to watch UFC 258 is through ESPN+. ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for all UFC Pay-Per-View events in the U.S. This means that a valid ESPN+ subscription is required to purchase and watch the UFC 258 main card. The preliminary card will also be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with the early preliminary bouts streaming on UFC Fight Pass.

To watch UFC 258 in the U.S.:

1. Subscribe to ESPN+: If you don’t already have an ESPN+ subscription, you will need to sign up for one. Visit the ESPN+ website or download the ESPN app to subscribe.
2. Purchase the UFC 258 Pay-Per-View: Once subscribed to ESPN+, navigate to the UFC section and purchase the UFC 258 event. This is a separate purchase from your monthly subscription fee.
3. Stream the Event: You can stream UFC 258 on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV), computers, smartphones, and tablets through the ESPN app or website.

For viewers in the United Kingdom:

UFC 258 will be broadcast live on BT Sport. Fans in the UK will need an active BT Sport subscription to access the event. The broadcast typically begins with the preliminary card, leading up to the main event.

For viewers in other regions:

Broadcast and streaming rights for UFC events vary by country. It is recommended to check the official UFC website or local sports broadcasters for specific information on how to watch UFC 258 in your region. Many countries will also utilize PPV options similar to the U.S. model through their local sports broadcasting partners.

The Main Event: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns – A Collision of Former Teammates

The main event of UFC 258 pits the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman, against his former training partner and close friend, Gilbert Burns. This matchup is not only a high-stakes title fight but also carries a significant emotional weight due to their shared history at the renowned Hard Knocks 365 gym in South Florida. Usman, known as "The Nigerian Nightmare," has solidified his position as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world with his dominant wrestling background, relentless pressure, and improved striking. He has successfully defended his title against formidable opponents, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that makes him a difficult challenge for anyone in the division.

Gilbert Burns, "Durinho," has experienced a meteoric rise in the welterweight division, showcasing explosive striking and a dangerous submission game. His journey to this title shot has been marked by impressive victories over top-tier talent, including a dominant performance against former champion Tyron Woodley and a thrilling knockout win against Stephen Thompson. The narrative of this fight is amplified by the fact that both fighters have a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, having trained together extensively. This familiarity adds an intriguing layer of tactical anticipation, as they will both be looking to exploit any perceived vulnerabilities.

Usman’s championship reign has been characterized by his suffocating control, his ability to dictate the pace of the fight, and his powerful striking. He has consistently overwhelmed opponents with his physical strength and championship pedigree. Burns, on the other hand, possesses a more unpredictable and explosive offense. His jiu-jitsu background, coupled with his rapidly developing striking, makes him a constant threat, particularly in close-quarters exchanges. The question remains: can Burns’ offensive firepower overcome Usman’s championship experience and dominant wrestling? Or will Usman continue to assert his supremacy atop the welterweight division?

Beyond the Main Event: Key Fights on the UFC 258 Card

While the welterweight championship bout garners the most attention, UFC 258 features several other compelling matchups that are crucial to the landscape of their respective divisions.

The co-main event features a middleweight clash between Kelvin Gastelum and Ian Heinisch. Gastelum, a highly skilled and experienced fighter, will be looking to re-establish himself in the middleweight division after a series of tough fights. Heinisch, a rising contender, presents a stern test with his aggressive style and knockout power. This fight has the potential to be an exciting back-and-forth affair.

Another significant middleweight bout on the main card pits former interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker against Jared Cannonier. Whittaker, a former undisputed champion, has been on a mission to reclaim his title and has been showcasing a more refined and dangerous striking game. Cannonier, a powerful striker with knockout power, has been a revelation in the middleweight division and represents a dangerous opponent for anyone. This fight could very well determine the next challenger for the middleweight strap.

The women’s flyweight division will also be represented on the main card with Maycee Barber facing Alexa Grasso. Barber, a young and highly touted prospect, has been working to overcome recent setbacks and regain her momentum. Grasso, a skilled and composed fighter, will look to use her technical striking and well-rounded game to get past Barber.

The preliminary card is also stacked with intriguing matchups, including Belal Muhammad vs. Dhiego Lima in the welterweight division, Ricky Simon vs. Brian Kelleher in the bantamweight division, and several other bouts that could produce exciting finishes and upsets. Each fight on the UFC 258 card offers a piece of the larger narrative of the UFC, with rising stars looking to make their mark and established veterans seeking to cement their legacies.

Championship Implications and Future of the Welterweight Division

The outcome of the Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns main event will have significant ramifications for the UFC welterweight division. A victory for Kamaru Usman would further solidify his status as one of the greatest welterweights of all time and continue his dominant championship reign. He would likely face a new wave of challengers, with names like Colby Covington and Leon Edwards perpetually in the mix.

A win for Gilbert Burns would be a monumental achievement, marking his ascent to the pinnacle of the welterweight division. His victory would introduce a new dynamic to the division, potentially setting up highly anticipated rematches or fresh matchups against other top contenders. The welterweight division is widely considered one of the deepest and most competitive in the UFC, and this title fight is a crucial juncture in its ongoing story. The performances on February 13th will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of this exciting weight class for months to come.