There was no question that Shane Burgos vs. Josh Emmett looked promising on paper. The co-main event of UFC on ESPN 11 practically screamed fireworks.
Turns out, that paper was right. The featherweight duo got the memo. They brought the heat for fifteen full minutes Saturday, swinging all the way to the final bell.
Had fans been in attendance, there would have been a standing ovation. It’s actually quite the same that the fight unfolded in an empty venue, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Yet the upside was hearing every punch land, every kick connect. And the fans watching at home were unquestionably entertained.
In the end, after coming on strong in the third and knocking down Burgos a couple of times, it was Emmett taking home the decision win. But as cliche as it sounds, there were no losers here. Shane Burgos will see his stock rise, as will Emmett. And the featherweight division has some more names to keep an eye on.
Even the champion was impressed. Not to mention former and current champions from all across the UFC’s ranks. Check below to see how the pros, including UFC 145lb champ Alexander Volkanovski, reacted to what’s already being called a Fight of the Year candidate.
Got my 👁 on all the contenders. This going to be a good one! #UFCVegas3
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) June 21, 2020
Damn homie @HurricaneShaneB looking sharp AF… and Emmet throwing 💣!!!!!!!! #UFCVegas3
— Andre Soukhamthath (@AndreSoukMMA) June 21, 2020
Rd 2 Was awesome fire . Burgos vs Emmett Fken on Fire !
— Mark Coleman (@Markcolemanmma) June 21, 2020
Let’s gooooo @ufc I’m loving the heart of these guys!!! #ufcapex
— Ashley Yoder (@AshleyYoderMMA) June 21, 2020
This co main fight is insane 🤩#UFCVegas3
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 21, 2020
I think Burgos was more off balance as opposed to hurt but still big for Emmett #UFCVegas3
— Jillian DeCoursey (@lionheartjill) June 21, 2020
I don’t even know who’s winning #UFCVegas3
— éS (@EricSpicely) June 21, 2020
Man 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 awesome fight
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) June 21, 2020
This fight is living up to everything I thought it would be. A fight with either one of them would be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #UFCVegas3
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) June 21, 2020
Wow!!! What a great fight!!!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) June 21, 2020
This fight is crazy!!! Burgos and Emmett!! No quit and constant action! Insanely good!! #UFCVegas3
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 21, 2020
Damnnnn this is a fire fight 🔥🔥🔥👊🏿 #UFCVegas3
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) June 21, 2020
It’s a shame this fight didn’t happen in front of a crowd! The crowd would be going nuts. These dudes are slanging!
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) June 21, 2020
Burgos rolls with the punches well. He’s taking a lot of power off of Emmetts powerful punches #UFCVegas3 #UFCFightNight
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) June 21, 2020
Awesome fight from Emmet and Burgos @UFC WOW
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) June 21, 2020
Wow!!! @JoshEmmettUFC @HurricaneShaneB FOY 💯💯
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) June 21, 2020
Incredible fight! #UFCVegas3
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) June 21, 2020
What a fucking fight!! Well done boys #UFCVegas3
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) June 21, 2020
