UFC APEX – Plenty on the line in this welterweight main event between Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady set up for a tough fight at UFC Vegas 97 on Saturday night.
Burns (22-7) storied resume makes him an attractive opponent for up-and-comers and this fight is no exception. Even though he’s riding a two-fight losing streak the losses are to rising star Jack Della Maddalena and new welterweight champion Belal Muhamamad.
The UFC veteran holds wins over names like Jorge Masvidal, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Tyron Woodley and Damian Maia.
Brady (16-1) hopes to take advantage of the miles on Burns and his #6 ranking. The #8 ranked Brady comes off a submission victory over Kelvin Gastelum last December and could jump into the top 5 with an impressive win over Burns.
Round 1: Burns came out with the pressure on Brady who began fighting back with leg kicks and jabs to force his opponent back. Brady had a clear speed advantage early on and his timing seemed on point from the start. Burns decided he had enough shot in for a takedown which Brady was able to get back to his feet from.
They danced back and forth on the fence and they both fought and got reversals on the fence. Most of the first round was wrestling as both looked to get a the fight to the ground, but on their own terms.
Round 2: Brady came out firing with the body kick until Burns landed a big right hand that forced Brady to the fence. Burns finally woke up and fired away with big shots forcing clinches and takedowns from Brady. The two spent a large chunk of the round dancing on the fence in the clinch.
The two exchanged shots and the round ended.
Round 3: Both men came out trying to take control of this fight, but Burns fighting like he knows he’s behind. After some exchanges they clinched and got back to the fence again where Brady worked to land shots in close. Brady continued to go for takedowns, but Burns would take his time and use hit vet savvy to land shots at the right time.
Burns landed a big right hand that woke Brady up. Brady then went all in on a takedown and got it, but ran out of time to do anything with it.
Round 4: Brady came out popping the jab out and then landed a low-blow on Burns. Herb Dean called a timeout. 1 minute in Burns signaled he was ready to go.
Seconds later Burns landed a low blow on Brady. Unintentional, but very funny to those watching. Once action got back on Brady went in with some big shots on Burns. Brady went back to wrestling going for single leg takedowns which Burns was able to stuff.
After a few exchanges Brady tackled Burns to the ground, but couldn’t hold him down very long. Burns was able to force scrambles and take positions. The round ended in the clinch.
Round 5: Brady came out fresh and landing combos on Burns who was clearly waiting for a chance to land a fight ending shot. Brady mixed it up between hands and wrestling until finally getting Burns down to the ground.
Burns used an omaplata attempt to get back to his feet, landed a nasty flying knee, but was then taken down again.
Brady took him down two more times and the two ran out of time.
In his post-fight interview Brady called out Ian Machado Garry.
Result: Sean Brady def Gilbert Burns via Unanimous Decision (50-45×2, 49-46)
