Gilbert Burns had the Miami fans behind him on Saturday at UFC 299, where the Florida-based Brazilian faced Australian up-and-comer Jack Della Maddalena.
For JDM, Burns marked the toughest test of his UFC career, and an opportunity to enter the title conversation.
From the beginning Burns was able to control positions in the fight with well-timed takedowns and heavy strikes. Maddalena was never out of it however with every strike thrown a part of a combination. Burns continued to work takedowns repeatedly and scored countless mat returns on a tough to keep down Maddalena.
Near the end of the third round Maddalena was taken down and it seemed as though the fight would end in that spot with Burns keeping him in place using cradles. Maddalena threw a desperation explosive technique to get back to his feet and landed a devastating knee that dropped Burns.
Burns popped back up to his feet, but clearly compromised he fell again and Maddalena scored a crazy third round knockout victory putting him on the short list of title contenders.
In the post-fight interview Maddalena called out fellow contender Shavkat Rakhmonov for a title eliminator fight which would be a massive bout at 170 pounds.
Official Result: Jack Della Maddalena def. Gilbert Burns via R3 KO, 3:43
