The welterweight champion used the main event of UFC 258 on Saturday night as yet another proving point that he's one of the best mixed martial artists in the fight game — and perhaps even  the best — as he pummeled Gilbert Burns toward a third-round TKO (punches) for his third straight title defense.

Usman overcame being dropped by a huge overhand right in the first round and began establishing his masterful jab in the second round. That same frame had Usman dropping Burns with a massive right of his own.

Seeing that he could hurt the game challenger, Usman didn't get overzealous. He stayed pumping his jab, using his weapon of choice to make Burns taste the canvas once again. Although he didn't get the finish he was seeking in the second, Usman ensured that he secured it in the third.

That's when Usman threw that stiff jab, once again dropping Burns. This time, though, the champ pounced on Burns with rights and lefts, leading ref Herb Dean to step in and end the bout. Since capturing the title against Tyron Woodley back in March 2019, Usman (18-1, 13-0 in UFC) has now defeated Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Burns.

"I am the best on the planet for a reason," Usman declared during his post-fight interview at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. "Y’all need to put some respect on my f—ing name! I am the welterweight champ for a reason, and I’m here to stay.”

Usman went on to warn Masvidal that a rematch with him will tender the same results — only more bluntly than the unanimous decision he claimed over "Gamebred" in July 2020.

"I will give you a whole training camp," Usman offered. "This time, I will finish your ass."

Usman acknowledged that the most challenging part about fighting Burns was that the two used to train together at American Top Team and that the champ left the gym when he knew that they would be entering the Octagon. Although Usman said he loves Burns, "The Nigerian Nightmare" said there can't be friends inside the confines of the Octagon.

"From start to finish, I'm a whole other savage, and he saw that tonight," Usman said. "When you step in here, there's no friends."

Here's how the entire UFC 258: Usman vs. Burns pay-per-view went.

UFC 258 FIGHT CARD

Main Card

• Kamaru Usman (c) def. Gilbert Burns by third-round TKO (punches) to retain welterweight title
• Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); Women's Flyweight 
• Kelvin Gastelum def. Ian Heinisch by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28); Middleweight 
• Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); Featherweight
• Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo by third-round submission (anaconda choke); Middleweight 

Preliminary Card

• Anthony Hernandez def. Rodolfo Viera via second-round submission (guillotine choke); Middleweight 
• Belal Muhammad def. Dhiego Lima by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27); Welterweight 
• Polyana Viana def. Mallory Martin via first-round submission (armbar); Women's Strawweight
• Chris Gutierrez def. Andre Ewell by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27); Catchweight
• Gabriel Green def. Philip Rowe via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28); Welterweight