MMA News

Tag: UFC Vegas 97

  • Gilbert Burns Admits ‘Mistake’ Of Listening To Multiple Nutritionists Cost Him In Sean Brady Fight

    Gilbert Burns Admits ‘Mistake’ Of Listening To Multiple Nutritionists Cost Him In Sean Brady Fight

    Gilbert Burns recently confessed that his decision to follow advice from multiple nutritionists was a costly error, one that ultimately contributed to his loss against Sean Brady.

    “Durinho” stepped into the main event of UFC Vegas 97 last weekend, hoping to reignite one final push for the welterweight title. However, his plans were decisively derailed as Brady overwhelmed him over five punishing rounds with a relentless barrage of takedowns and grappling mastery, ultimately handing Burns a unanimous decision loss—his third consecutive defeat.

    Burns was hopeful that a victory over Brady would put him back on the road to championship contention. Heading into fight week, he was confident in both his training and recovery, feeling physically prepared. Yet, he still wasn’t able to perform at his full potential when it mattered most.

    The 38-year-old Brazilian was dismayed by his showing. However, in the aftermath of the loss, he has finally pieced together what went wrong in the lead-up to the bout…

    Burns Attributes Bad Weight Cut On Confusion With Multiple Nutritionists

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Burns opened up about his loss to Brady, revealing that his preparation was compromised by poor decision-making. “Durinho” admitted that leading up to the fight, he consulted several nutritionists and then complicated matters by blending their advice with his own approach.

    This misstep led to a problematic weight cut, which ultimately reflected in the fight, as he felt lethargic and lacked his usual sharpness in movement.

    “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I had a lot of energy; I felt great,” Burns said. “But Thursday I had a hard weight cut at night, and Friday morning I had a very hard weight cut in the morning, and I think that was the result. That’s why I think I felt very sluggish. I felt bad, but I do believe it was my recovery. Before I point fingers at everyone, I have my nutritionist, Marcelo Ferro, who does an amazing job. But my mistake was listening to two other nutritionists and the UFC a little bit.”

    “So, another nutritionist that is a good friend of mine, Lucas, and coach Carl Gebhardt—I went to California to do all the tasks, and instead of doing the things that I do with Marcelo, I was kind of doing a little bit of coach Carl, a little bit of Marcelo, and a little bit of Lucas. So, at the end of the day, I didn’t follow through with anyone’s plan. I took a little bit from each one and kind of did my own plan. So when I made weight, I did great, but when I saw the recovery, I did a little bit from all three nutritionists, and it kind of didn’t work out.”

    Burns said in a backstage interview with the UFC that he’s uncertain about the future of his career. His last victory came at UFC 287 in April 2023 against Jorge Masvidal. “Durinho” once rode the momentum of a six-fight win streak, but since his failed bid at the title against former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, he has struggled to regain his footing with a consistent winning run.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Aljamain Sterling Replaces Israel Adesanya On P4P List, Diego Lopes Falls Ahead Of Noche UFC

    UFC Rankings Report: Aljamain Sterling Replaces Israel Adesanya On P4P List, Diego Lopes Falls Ahead Of Noche UFC

    As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound:  Israel Adesanya has found himself off the P4P list for the first time in years. Weeks on from his failed bid to achieve three-time champ status against middleweight kinpgin Dricus Du Plessis, “The Last Stylebender” has lost his #15 spot to former bantamweight titleholder Aljamain Sterling.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Natália Silva’s triumph over Jéssica Andrade on Saturday was enough to elevate her into the female P4P discussion. She’s debuted in the rankings at #14, leading to Ketlen Vieira falling out entirely. Above her, Andrade has slipped by two positions to #13, providing small boosts for Kayla Harrison (#11) and Virna Jandiroba (#12).

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: As expected, Silva has slotted in one place outside the top five at 125 pounds, occupying Andrade’s previous position. That’s left the former strawweight queen two spots worse off at #8.

    Women’s Bantamweight: After Pannie Kianzad parted ways with the UFC, she’s been removed from the 135-pound rankings. Her vacant spot has been filled by Ailín Pérez (#15). Further up, Norma Dumont (#8) has moved above her fellow countrywoman Karol Rosa (#9).

    Flyweight: While he hung up his gloves this past weekend, Matt Schnell has remained ranked for the time being. His loss to Cody Durden has seen him fall three places to #13, with his victorious opponent up two spots to #12.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: Bizarrely, the surging Diego Lopes has fallen at 145 pounds just days out from his showdown with Brian Ortega at Noche UFC. Previously ranked #12, the Mexico-based Brazilian has dropped one place behind Bryce Mitchell. That’s despite the Arkansas native not being in action since a brutal knockout loss to Josh Emmett last December.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: Sean Brady is within touching distance of the top five at 170 pounds following his main event win over Gilbert Burns. While he’s risen to #6, “Durinho” has fallen to #8. Lower down, Kevin Holland has returned to the rankings at #15, a spot he shares with Neil Magny. That’s despite “Trailblazer” being scheduled to stay at middleweight for the time being.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • Gilbert Burns Addresses Future After Third Straight UFC Loss: ‘Nothing Was Good…I’ve Got To Rethink’

    Gilbert Burns Addresses Future After Third Straight UFC Loss: ‘Nothing Was Good…I’ve Got To Rethink’

    UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns knows he’s reached a point of uncertainty after falling to a three-fight losing skid.

    Burns, a former title challenger on MMA’s biggest stage, suffered his latest defeat inside the Octagon this past weekend while headlining Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex.

    Following consecutive defeats at the hands of then-future champion Belal Muhammad in May 2023 and the rising Jack Della Maddalena this past March, “Durinho” was hoping for a crucial rebound performance at the expense of Sean Brady.

    But the Brazilian was unable to find that across five rounds in Las Vegas, instead falling to a convincing unanimous decision loss in what marked his third main event in the UFC.

    With another slip down the pecking order set to arrive at his doorstep in Tuesday’s rankings update, Burns’ career appears to be in limbo.

    ‘Disappointed’ Burns Ready For ‘Rethink’ After Another Defeat

    During a backstage interview with Charly Arnolt for ESPN, Burns gave an honest and critical reflection on his performance opposite Burns.

    The former title challenger admitted that nothing felt right when the cage door closed behind him on Saturday night. And with that in mind, “Durinho” isn’t sure what lies ahead for him in MMA.

    “I’m a little bit disappointed. I know I have the grit, I know I can fight hard, but I didn’t let go,” Burns said. “I felt great this whole freaking week. I felt good in training camp. This morning was great. But when I got (to the Octagon), it didn’t flow. It just didn’t flow. Nothing was good.

    “I didn’t let it go. Props to Sean. Sean is a tough one. I hit him with some good shots, I tried to finish. I think I forced the finish too much,” Burns continued. “I don’t know (what’s next). … I’ve got to rethink. I’ve got to go back, talk to my coaches, see what’s next. At the same time, give a little time to my family. They give up so much when I’m in a camp for a fight. I’m gonna go back, spend time with the family, go back to train. I don’t have any injuries, thank God. I lost, but at least the body is feeling good.”

    At 38 years old and riding a three-fight skid, returning to the title conversation would look to be an uphill task for Burns, who once appeared close to a title crowning after dropping Kamaru Usman early into their UFC 258 showdown over three years ago.

    Brady, meanwhile, firmly has his eyes on the prize. And having likely secured a rise to within touching distance of the welterweight top five, the Philadelphian has his sights on either Ian Garry or Colby Covington next.

  • Sean Brady Begs UFC To Let Him Fight Former Title Challenger Next: ‘Please…I Will Murder Him!’

    Sean Brady Begs UFC To Let Him Fight Former Title Challenger Next: ‘Please…I Will Murder Him!’

    UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady has big fights in his sights after likely moving close to the top five with a victory over Gilbert Burns this past weekend.

    Brady made it two wins on the bounce in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event. Since suffering his first career defeat at the hands of then-future champion Belal Muhammad in 2022 and subsequently missing 14 months through injury, the 31-year-old has gotten the better of Kelvin Gastelum and now “Durinho.”

    The Philadelphia native and his Brazilian counterpart headlined the event on September 7, going five rounds inside the Apex in Las Vegas. Brady had his hand raised by way of a convincing unanimous decision.

    Having beaten the #6 contender, Brady can expect to find himself within touching distance of the title picture come the next rankings update. And to break into it, he wouldn’t mind facing the man occupying #5…

    Brady Keen For Covington Clash After UFC Fight Night Main Event Win

    During Saturday’s post-fight press conference, Brady reflected on his first main event win on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    In terms of what could come next as a result, Brady had a couple of names in mind, one of whom’s career is in limbo following a third failed bid for title glory last time out.

    “I’ll fight Colby (Covington). I think Colby is the easiest matchup in the division. I’ll piece him up on the feet. I’ll rag doll him,” Covington said. “I’ll fight Colby in a heartbeat. UFC, please give me Colby, I will murder him. He shouldn’t even be ranked. When’s the last time he fought?”

    Covington wasn’t the only notable name on Brady’s lips at the Apex. Both inside the Octagon and at the presser, the Philadelphia standout staked his claim for the chance to blemish the perfect record of Ian Garry.

    It remains to be seen what the UFC will choose for Brady next, but there’s no doubt that the 31-year-old has got himself back on track less than two years on from his setback at the hands of Muhammad.

  • Update Provided On Gruesome Eye Injury Suffered By Rongzhu In UFC Fight Night Loss

    Update Provided On Gruesome Eye Injury Suffered By Rongzhu In UFC Fight Night Loss

    Perhaps the most noteworthy finish of UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady on Saturday night came in the featured bout of the preliminary card, as Rongzhu suffered a gruesome facial injury at the hands of Chris Padilla.

    Padilla landed an elbow that went directly to one of Rongzhu’s eyes, swelling it shut and forcing the cageside doctor to step in. The fight was ultimately waved off in the American’s favor in the second round.

    Rongzhu was transported to the hospital following the fight.

    Rongzhu ‘Could Not Open His Eye’ After Being Transported To Hospital Following Loss To Chris Padilla

    In the latest update on his health, Rongzhu’s manager told Alex Behunin of MMA Mania late Saturday night that the fighter suffered multiple fractures in his face. He added that Rongzhu still could not open his eye.

    This fight marked his first fight back in the UFC after winning the Road to UFC season 2 lightweight tournament, defeating Shin Haraguchi in the final back in February.

    Rongzhu previously went 1-2 in his first stint with the UFC, defeating Brandon Jenkins but losing to Kazula Vargas and Ignacio Bahamondes alongside a pair of weight misses.

  • ‘Belal vs. Brady Rematch For An Early Bedtime’ – Fans Give Mixed Reviews After Brady Beats Gilbert Burns In UFC Fight Night Main Event

    ‘Belal vs. Brady Rematch For An Early Bedtime’ – Fans Give Mixed Reviews After Brady Beats Gilbert Burns In UFC Fight Night Main Event

    Though not all fans were happy about the performance, the rising Sean Brady earned the biggest win of his MMA career thus far on Saturday night, defeating Gilbert Burns in the UFC Fight Night main event.

    Brady brought most of the activity in a relatively quiet opening round. He continued his pace into the second, although Burns’ power was on display from the get-go, stumbling his American counterpart early with a right hand.

    Burns appeared to land some of the fight’s strongest shots in the third frame, seemingly damaging Brady in a stuff and scramble. The Philadelphia native, however, managed to land knees to the body, fighting back and scoring the takedown to close out a highlight sequence featuring the two men.

    Brady’s activity did not slow down in the fourth round, with many believing Burns needed to turn up the aggression and let his hands go in the fifth stanza. “Durinho” partially landed a jumping knee, but it wasn’t enough.

    The favored American was able to score a takedown, riding out the round on top and scoring the unanimous nod from the judges.

    Sean Brady Scores Decision Win Over Former Title Challenger Gilbert Burns

    Brady has now won back-to-back fights after suffering the lone loss of his MMA career against current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in October 2022.

    Former welterweight title challenger Burns, meanwhile, has now lost three straight.

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Sean Brady Outlasts Gilbert Burns

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Sean Brady Outlasts Gilbert Burns

    The mixed martial arts leader staged its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    Before all focus turns to a highly anticipated and significantly built-up Noche UFC pay-per-view at the Sphere next weekend, the promotion put on another card at a much more low-key Las Vegas venue in the Apex.

    The headline spot fell in the welterweight division, where former title challenger Gilbert Burns attempted to defend his #6 spot on the ladder and keep his hopes of a late-career second opportunity at the gold alive at the expense of Sean Brady.

    “Durinho” ultimately failed in that mission, with his Philadelphian opponent putting on a dominant display en route to a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

    Before that, a former champion was in action as ex-strawweight queen Jéssica Andrade shared the cage with her surging fellow countrywoman Natália Silva. The latter put on another striking masterclass to earn the nod from all three judges, catapulting her into the title picture at 125 pounds.

    With that said, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights!

    UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Main Event: Sean Brady def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
    • Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Natália Silva def. Jéssica Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Featherweight: Steve Garcia def. Kyle Nelson via TKO (ground strikes): R1, 3:59
    • Bantamweight: Cody Durden def. Matt Schnell via submission (ninja choke): R2, 0:29
    • Lightweight: Yanal Ashmouz def. Trevor Peek via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight: Chris Padilla def. Rongzhu via TKO (doctor stoppage): R3, 4:14
    • Featherweight: Isaac Dulgarian def. Brendon Marotte via submission (arm-triangle choke): R2, 4:19
    • Flyweight: André Lima def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Featherweight: Gabriel Santos def. Yizha via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Jaqueline Amorim def. Vanessa Demopoulos via submission (armbar): R1, 3:28
    • Middleweight: Andre Petroski def. Dylan Budka via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Featherweight: Nathan Fletcher def. Zygimantas Ramaska via submission (arm-triangle choke): R2, 1:14

    Nathan Fletcher Def. Zygimantas Ramaska

    Andre Petroski Def. Dylan Budka

    Jaqueline Amorim Def. Vanessa Demopoulos

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832525623090381020

    Gabriel Santos Def. Yizha

    André Lima Def. Felipe dos Santos

    Isaac Dulgarian Def. Brendon Marotte

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832546395653337462

    Chris Padilla Def. Rongzhu

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832552709209096224

    Yanal Ashmouz Def. Trevor Peek

    Cody Durden Def. Matt Schnell

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832567560644014199

    Steve Garcia Def. Kyle Nelson

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832573926872064167

    Natália Silva Def. Jéssica Andrade

    Sean Brady Def. Gilbert Burns

  • ‘UFC Has Never Seen A Striker Like Natália Silva’ – Fans React After Silva Puts On Masterclass To Beat Former Champion Jéssica Andrade

    ‘UFC Has Never Seen A Striker Like Natália Silva’ – Fans React After Silva Puts On Masterclass To Beat Former Champion Jéssica Andrade

    A rising face at flyweight, Natália Silva will be in for a huge opportunity in her next outing after pulling off a win over former women’s strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night.

    The first round was tight between the two, with Silva landing better strikes but Andrade working around the cage as the two traded and scrapped throughout the opening five minutes.

    “Bate Estaca” continued to press in the second round, but her fellow Brazilian was able to answer every time, stopping takedowns and working the distance with strikes.

    Silva did not slow down, sweeping the scorecards against the former UFC champion.

    Natália Silva Puts On Impressive Display With Strong Win Over Former Champion Jéssica Andrade

    Silva has now won 12 straight and improves to 6-0 in the UFC. Her last loss in MMA came against Marina Rodriguez in December 2017.

    Andrade, meanwhile, had won back-to-back fights at 115 pounds prior to this performance and has now lost four of her last six.

  • ‘One Of The Grossest Things I’ve Ever Seen’ – Fans React As Vicious Elbow To The Eye Forces Doctor Stoppage In UFC Fight Night Featured Prelim

    ‘One Of The Grossest Things I’ve Ever Seen’ – Fans React As Vicious Elbow To The Eye Forces Doctor Stoppage In UFC Fight Night Featured Prelim

    Chris Padilla brought about a vicious injury on his opponent, earning him a win in the featured preliminary bout of UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady.

    Rongzhu, Padilla’s opponent, appeared to be landing the higher quality strikes at a better pace, but the American flashed his power, foreshadowing the fight’s conclusion.

    Late in the second round, Padilla landed an elbow that landed directly on the eye of the Road to UFC standout. Rongzhu’s eye was completely shut by the attack, bringing in the cageside doctor, who quickly called a stop to the bout.

    Chris Padilla Picks Up Doctor’s Stoppage Win After Brutal Elbow Strike To Eye

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832552240625693004

    Padilla has now won five straight with all but one win coming via a finish. He is also now 2-0 in the UFC after submitting James Llontop in April.

    Meanwhile, this marked Rongzhu’s first UFC fight since three straight wins on Road to UFC between 2023 and 2024. He previously competed for the UFC three times between 2021 and 2022, going 1-2.

  • UFC Fight Night: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady Weigh-In Results: Two Miss Weight

    UFC Fight Night: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady Weigh-In Results: Two Miss Weight

    UFC Fight Night: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    After a brief break from action, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back to put on another card at the Apex facility in Las Vegas.

    Topping the lineup will be a crucial clash of ranked contenders in the welterweight division, with former title challenger Gilbert Burns and the highly regarded Sean Brady both looking to put themselves in a strong position within the title picture.

    Elsewhere, the likes of former UFC strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade, the always entertaining Steve Garcia, brawler Trevor Peek, and Ovince Saint Preux will all have their next assignments inside the Octagon.

    UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady takes place on Saturday, September 7, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

    See above for a replay of the weigh-ins via MMA Junkie, and check out the full results below!

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Main Event: Gilbert Burns (171lbs) vs. Sean Brady (171lbs)
    • Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Jéssica Andrade (124.5lbs) vs. Natália Silva (125.5lbs)
    • Featherweight: Steve Garcia (145.5lbs) vs. Kyle Nelson (148.5lbs)**
    • Flyweight: Matt Schnell (135lbs) vs. Cody Durden (135lbs)
    • Lightweight: Trevor Peek (155lbs) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (154.5lbs)
    • Lightweight: Rongzhu (155.5lbs) vs. Chris Padilla (154lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Isaac Dulgarian (145.5lbs) vs. Brendon Marotte (145lbs)
    • Flyweight: Felipe dos Santos (124.5lbs) vs. André Lima (125.5lbs)
    • Featherweight: Yizha (144.5lbs) vs. Gabriel Santos (146lbs)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Jaqueline Amorim (115.5lbs) vs. Vanessa Demopoulos (116lbs)
    • Middleweight: Andre Petroski (185.5lbs) vs. Dylan Budka (188.5lbs)*
    • Featherweight: Zygimantas Ramaska (145.5lbs) vs. Nathan Fletcher (145lbs)

    *Dylan Budka missed the middleweight limit by 2.5 pounds, forfeits 20 percent of his purse

    **Kyle Nelson missed the featherweight limit by 2.5 pounds, fight status TBA

  • TUF 32 Fighter Hints At ‘Favoritism’ From Valentina Shevchenko Ahead Of UFC Vegas 97 Scrap

    TUF 32 Fighter Hints At ‘Favoritism’ From Valentina Shevchenko Ahead Of UFC Vegas 97 Scrap

    Nathan Fletcher recently hinted that his upcoming opponent may have been receiving special treatment from Valentina Shevchenko ahead of their showdown at UFC Vegas 97.

    Fletcher is set to make his promotional debut this weekend in a featherweight clash against fellow Team Shevchenko newcomer Zygimantas Ramaska. Originally scheduled to fight at UFC Vegas 96 on August 24, Fletcher was forced to withdraw on fight day due to an undisclosed medical issue. Although the severity of the issue remains unknown, the 26-year-old Englishman wasted no time, and the bout was swiftly rescheduled for UFC Vegas 97.

    Fletcher’s upcoming entry into the UFC has caught many fans off guard, especially given his recent loss to Team Grasso’s Kaan Ofli on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 32. Despite the setback, it’s clear the UFC sees untapped potential in the Team Shevchenko standout, granting him this golden opportunity to prove himself on the big stage.

    Fletcher Admits He Hasn’t Kept In Touch With Shevchenko After TUF

    During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Fletcher opened up about his journey on TUF 32. The UFC newcomer shared that the experience allowed him to connect with former champions like Cody Garbrandt and Aljamain Sterling, as well as fighters like Diego Lopes, whom he had previously only seen on screen.

    “Diego’s a guy who I look up to, and he’s a very exciting player,” Fletcher said. “Obviously, he’s pretty new on the scene himself, but I like the splash that he’s made. There’s been another one also, Cody Garbrandt, because sort of early in my career when he was on his tear, I really looked up to him—he was one of my favorite fighters. There’s been so many, to be honest. Aljamain Sterling, another cool dude who I’ve spoken to a couple of times.”

    Fletcher went on to mention that, despite having a strong rapport with coach Shevchenko, he hasn’t been in touch with “Bullet” since the show wrapped up. He attributed this to her focus on preparing for her trilogy bout against flyweight champion Alexa Grasso in the co-main event of UFC 306, set to take place next weekend.

    “I haven’t spoken to Valentina since the show, to be honest. We had a good relationship on the show—she was cool and everything—but I just haven’t really [talked to her]. That’s not somebody I’ve stayed in touch with afterward. She’s obviously got her own stuff going on, a big fight coming up, and also the guy I’m fighting went out to Tiger [Muay Thai Gym] to prepare for this fight, so I don’t know if maybe there’s a bit of favoritism there, perhaps.”

    Not only did Fletcher lose his TUF fight, but he also faced a devastating setback with a serious injury. Early in the first round, he broke his fibula, robbing him of the chance to fully display his skills. Despite this, Fletcher’s grit was undeniable as he battled through the entire bout, pushing it to a decision while fighting on a broken leg.

    Fletcher built his entire professional MMA career under the European promotion Cage Warriors, where he holds an 8-1 record. His sole career defeat came at the hands of Dominique Wooding in September 2021.

  • Gilbert Burns Believes He Can Finish Sean Brady ‘Better Than’ Belal Muhammad Did

    Gilbert Burns Believes He Can Finish Sean Brady ‘Better Than’ Belal Muhammad Did

    UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is planning to make a statement at Sean Brady’s expense on Saturday night.

    The pair will headline this weekend’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas, with Burns tasked with defending his #6 position on the divisional ladder off the back of consecutive defeats.

    After falling short across five rounds against then-future champion Belal Muhammad in May 2023, an injury suffered in that fight kept “Durinho” on the sidelines until this past April’s UFC 299 pay-per-view in Miami.

    Although he was just less than two minutes away from a crucial bounce-back victory on the scorecards, he was the victim of a late comeback from Jack Della Maddalena, who rallied to stop him by way of TKO.

    That’s left the 38-year-old in desperate need of a return to winning ways. But more than just rebounding, the Brazilian sees a chance to move to within touching distance of the title against a former opponent of Muhammad’s…

    Burns Envisions Emphatic Finish Of Brady To Secure Title Eliminator

    During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Burns looked ahead to his second Octagon assignment of 2024, detailing his hopes for fight night and what he anticipates coming as a result of a strong display.

    Despite losing two on the bounce and slipping outside the top five at 170 pounds, “Durinho” believes the manner of his performance this weekend could determine whether he earns a title eliminator next time out, especially if he can go above and beyond what now-champ Muhammad accomplished at Brady’s expense back in 2022.

    “I do believe if I go out there and look phenomenal against Sean Brady, then I get another guy, maybe Leon (Edwards), Colby (Covington), Kamaru (Usman). Then beat one of those guys, then I’m there, on the top,” Burns said. “I do believe if I do my homework this Saturday good, show up there and finish Sean Brady, you know, better than Belal did — if I go out there and after that, for sure rest a little bit, come back with a good training camp and beat one of the top guys, I’m there fighting for the title.”

    Burns will look to move closer to his late-career second title shot coming to fruition this weekend by making good on his vow to stop Brady in violent fashion when they headline Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex.

  • Gilbert Burns Clarifies Sean Brady’s BJJ Black Belt Credentials

    Gilbert Burns Clarifies Sean Brady’s BJJ Black Belt Credentials

    Gilbert Burns recently shared his thoughts on whether Sean Brady poses a legitimate threat on the ground, given his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

    Burns is gearing up to face Brady in a crucial welterweight showdown, set to headline this weekend’s Fight Night event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “Durinho” has been absent from the Octagon since suffering a third-round knockout at the hands of Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299 this past March. That setback came just two months after another tough loss, when the 38-year-old Brazilian veteran was defeated by newly crowned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 288 in May 2023.

    Meanwhile, Brady is stepping into uncharted territory with his first-ever five-round bout under the UFC banner. The 31-year-old American has only gone past the third round once in his career. In his last appearance, he secured an impressive submission victory over seasoned veteran Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Fight Night Austin last December, bouncing back from the first setback of his career against Muhammad at UFC 280 in October 2022.

    Burns is a formidable force on the mat, a dangerous grappler who has dominated since his return to the welterweight division in 2019, racking up the second-highest number of takedowns in the division. On the other hand, Brady is no slouch on the ground either, bringing his own savage submission game to the table, potentially making their matchup a fascinating chess contest of technical prowess and ground control…

    Burns Holds Brady’s Grappling Skills In High Regard

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Burns was asked to weigh in on just how dangerous he believes Brady’s grappling game truly is. As a decorated BJJ black belt world champion himself, ‘Durinho’ acknowledged that his opponent is far from an ordinary grappler, noting that Brady trains under the tutelage of BJJ legend Daniel Gracie.

    “He’s legit. His coach is Daniel Gracie, you know. Daniel Gracie grew up with Renzo [Gracie], so he’s very, very good,” Burns said. “Daniel Gracie saw Brady since he was a kid, so he’s a legit black belt.”

    Burns went on to highlight Brady’s impressive grappling credentials, pointing out that Brady managed to defeat ADCC submission champion Craig Jones—an accomplishment that Burns himself couldn’t achieve.

    “He beat Craig Jones even when [the bout] was set with no leg locks. When I lost to Craig Jones, it was with leg locks—he went quick on my leg. So, Sean Brady beat him under no leg lock rules. Yeah, he’s a great fighter.”

    “Durinho” is currently navigating the first back-to-back losses of his career, and he’s well aware that the outcome on Saturday night carries critical weight if he hopes to climb back into title contention.