Belal Muhammad, riding an 8-fight win streak, is believed by many to be the justified championship contender right now, but rather than waiting patiently for an off-chance shot, he is taking matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Gilbert Burns, having just fought less than one month ago, is living up to his nickname “Durinho”, meaning ‘tiny tough guy’, as he will fight any fighter at any notice.

With both Belal and Burns being title worthy, this fight will be one where the stakes are high, skill-level impressive, and simply, highly entertaining to watch! Watch Muhammad vs. Burns fight live on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday night (order now).

And don’t forget, if you’re looking to place a bet, sign up to MyBookie using our special link and you can get a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 for this event.

Betting Odds

Having faced more title-level challengers in his tenure in the UFC, it is of little surprise to see Gilbert Burns as the slight -130 favorite over the surging Belal Muhammad.

• Gilbert Burns: -130 (MyBookie)
• Belal Muhammad: +102 (MyBookie)

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Breakdown

Belal Muhammad is one of, if not, the most intellectual fighters in the UFC. Similarly to Adesanya, Belal understands how to leverage his intellect once in the octagon, as he is someone who makes few mistakes, and most importantly, makes next to no forced errors whereby he elects to do x when y is the easier path to victory.

Often, for him, the easiest path to victory is through weaponizing his elite cardio through non-stop wrestling. This form of attack was on full display three fights ago, where Belal wrestled his way to victory against the respected Stephen Wonderboy Thompson – respected for both his elite striking and battle-tested takedown defense. Passing the striker test who also has grappling defense was a major milestone for Belal, and his two most recent fights were another big test for him with facing the well-rounded danger of Vincent Luque and elite grappler, Sean Brady. In both the Luque fight and Brady fight, Belal dictated the direction of the fight, where he successfully grappled Luque and decided to keep the fight standing against Brady. This ability to fight wherever he so chooses is an incredible talent, and while many believe the best direction of his fights is to wrestle and win in top position, Belal proved against Brady that he can not only have effective striking but also, striking that can finish the fight.

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Being a renowned grappler who has found significant success on the feet can be certainly applicable to Gilbert Burns. As a former World Jiu-Justu silver and gold medalist, Burns is a highly respectable and feared opponent to grapple with. This fear was on full display in the Khamzat Chimaev fight, as Chimaev seemingly did not want to enter the ground early in the fight with Burns, and while he has stated he should have trusted his wrestling to have success there, the mere fact that Chimaev had some semblance of hesitancy with doing so greatly illustrates the significant threat Burns is off of his back.

Knowing the threat he is off of his back, Burns fights with freedom on the feet, fully willing to overthrow a punch to entice a takedown by his opponent. This style is not all that unique for world-renowned submission specialists, but what is unique to Burns is the technical success he has formed throughout his long tenure in the UFC, as he is truly near elite there. Moreover, Burns, through his many UFC fights, has learned how to blend striking with offensive wrestling, as he is a very talented takedown artist which cannot be said for many submission-threat fighters. Because of this, Burns is now a well-rounded fighter with top 5 welterweight skills in striking, wrestling, and submissions. The positive consequence of this is being 7-2 since his return to the welterweight division back in 2019, with the lone losses coming at the hands of prime Karmu Usman and anticipated two-belt champion, Khamzat Chimaev — in both of those losses, Burns had a near finish against both.

Prediction and Betting Guide

While only Belal or Burns will get a win in this fight, you cannot go wrong backing either of these two fighters, both for this fight and any future bout. But when it comes to choosing the winner, several factors come to play. Notably, weighing the ability Belal can have with weaponizing elite cardio through non-stop pressure against the severe threat of Burns, both in physical acumen and war-type fight experience.

For me, the logical side of my brain says the striking differential will greatly favor Burns and I would be surprised to see him get significantly out-grappled by Belal. While this is the case, my gut says to trust the cardio and intellect of Belal to find a way to victory, as he has passed a variety of tests with flying colors.

So, weighing mind versus gut, the deciding factor for me is that Burns has lost to “wrestlers” in Usman and Chimaev while Belal has beat elite submission artists with power in Luque and Brady. Because of this, I am going Belal here, and because this fight will likely be razor thin if Belal is on the winning side, I am taking him by decision here.

Pick: Belal Muhammad by decision (+180)

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The post Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns prediction | UFC 288 appeared first on The Body Lock.

That being said, Masvidal has been open about potential retirement if this fight does not go his way, so Burns will be looking to retire the Miami native in his hometown.

Watch the UFC 287 main card this Saturday night live on ESPN+ PPV. Order here.

Betting Odds

Gilbert Burns who is coming off of a stunning submission of Neil Magny will walk into the cage as a -454 favorite.

• Jorge Masvidal: +316 (MyBookie)
• Gilbert Burns: -454 (MyBookie)

Fight Breakdown

Gilbert Burns has the luxury of having a style with which he can take a few cues from Masvidal’s last fight. Like Colby Covington who defeated Masvidal at UFC 272, Burns depends on a high-paced grappling heavy gameplan. While his overall wrestling may not be as educated as Covington’s, Burns arguably has a more dangerous and powerful striking game and a more dangerous submission repertoire.

However, at the end of the day, time spent in a kickboxing match with Masvidal is time for Masvidal to set traps and make use of them over the fight if Burns is unable to hit the mark. Burns should look to use his level changes to open up his striking opportunities and avoid a pure striking exchange. One of the craftiest tactics used by Burns is a long stretching level change in which he essentially drops into a lunge, hooks one leg, and comes up to drive into the cage. Once he established this, the same movement, lunging forward, opens up his right cross or overhand as his opponent’s arms drop for the takedown, it’s setups like these that can freeze a better pure striker like Masvidal.

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When Burns does commit to the stretching takedown, he often does not land the initial shot but instead gets ahold of the leg and chain wrestles his way into securing the second attempt. On top, very few have the Brazilain Jiu Jitsu prowess of Burns, who masterfully flattens his opponents and passed guards. He will look to attack arm triangles on Masvidal if Masvidal lays flat, but as soon as Masvidal tries to scramble or turn to get to his feet, is when Burns will then use the head on the outside of the arm to swivel and instead take the back. It’s his ability to move from flattened-out submissions to the back and vice versa that can drown his opponents. Especially someone like Mavidal who needs to create space, and is dynamic enough to keep the scrambles going.

For Masvidal he has to try to work on his feet, stay on his feet and get back to his feet. He is supremely tricky and crafty as a veteran but he is in a tricky position. We have seen Masvidal masterfully utilize the cage to peel off opponents taking the back and to stay upright, but unless he can punish Burns for doing so the clock is only running out on him. Masvidal may be one of the very best at hitting short elbows and knees inside, at an unusually tight distance, and if Burns takes even a moment to breathe, these need to be there.

At the range, Masvidal is very good at setting up power shots with feints and twitching movement. However, his signature, cross-step sprint may be to big a risk against Burns who, if timed right could easily level change underneath the barrage with his particular style of takedowns. Instead. if Masvidal can get Burns to bite on his potential bursts, knees down the pipe could be a dangerous weapon.

Prediction and Betting Guide

I do see a lot of similarities in this fight as Masvidal vs. Covington, with an added submission and power threat from Burns. Masvidal has the tools to shake things up in opportune moments, especially in clinch breaks, if there are rest positions against the cage, or if Burns finds himself getting desperate at any point, but in general, the ability to control the fight is in Burns’s corner.

Over three rounds, I do think that Burns can put Masvidal on the fence and work him enough to eventually get him to the mat if unable on the initial attempts, and then ride the fight from there.

While I think the submission attempts will be there, the experience of Masvidal and the five-round experience will make him very difficult to stop in three rounds, so a pick-by decision may be a smart move.

Picks: Gilbert Burns to win (-454) and by decision (+160)

The post Jorge Masvidal vs. Gilbert Burns prediction | UFC 287 appeared first on The Body Lock.

Neil Magny, a former soldier in the US army, attributes his road to the UFC to his background in wrestling. After a collegiate wrestling career, Magny made the move to MMA, appearing on the Ultimate Fighter in 2012 and earning a shot in the UFC. Now a veteran of the welterweight division Magny is ranked #12 in the world today. Magny and Burns have a combined 46 fights under the UFC banner.

Betting Odds

Gilbert Burns will come in as a favorite in the matchup at 170 pounds.

• Gilbert Burns: -350
• Neil Magny: +275

Fight Breakdown

With all his experience, Neil Magny has become a smart and well-rounded fighter but does tend to fight the same way very often. At his best, you can expect a Neil Magny performance to be built on pressure and suffocating cage wrestling. His long frame allows him to land counter shots after he is hit because those able to exit are often still in range for his straight boxing. However, his height also tends to leave him a bit more open to straight punches to the body and he will absorb leg kicks. He utilizes snappy teep kicks to keep opponents on the end of his boxing range and wants to be the one that dictates when the gap is closed so that he can smother fighters to the cage.

Once he gets them there, he will look to get to the side of his opponents with a tight body lock and lace a single leg in order to draw their hip away from the cage and drag them down. He has a fairly simple but consistent and grueling style where he clamps onto positions and chips away with strikes, not near full power.

Gilbert Burns, who fights in a Dutch kickboxing style, needs to find a way in and be the one pushing Magny back. In order to cut the gap that is Magny’s reach, butting his heel to the fence is key, this will also allow Burns to reach his right cross to the body without Magny sliding away. Attacking the body and legs is important for a couple of reasons, one – is Burn’s best combination is his jab to right overhand a roll through, but that overhand won’t land unless he can get Magny stationary and draw his hands down. Two – if Magny respects the body punching, then Gilbert can feint and shoot on the legs, Gilbert is a next-level grappler but actually wrestling Magny to the mat will be his toughest task.

If he can successfully get Magny down, Magny is particularly weak if you can put him in side control. His long legs allow him to maintain a tight full guard and negate damage well but technically he is still a wrestler at his core. Given half guard, fighting for the under-hook is the main problem because, given it, Magny will always look to escape out the side and into the ‘dogfight’ position. He is very good at this but goes to it often enough that he toes the line of predictability, so Burns has to maintain that under-hook, even if he starts putting pressure on the upper body. If he can fully pass to side control, Magny’s long limbs are almost a detriment in that he has difficulty getting to the knee shield but if he can get there then getting to half-guard is a problem.

Prediction and Betting Guide

Gilbert Burns came into the UFC as a feared submission artist, and his most common method of victory over his entire career is still about. However, in most recent years against the highest level of competition, he has leaned more into his power punching and control over an urgency for the submission. I do think that if Burns hunts more directly for a choke if he can secure a takedown, then he can take a page from Rafael Dos Anjos and Shavkat Rakhmonov’s books and snatch Magny’s arm or neck as he tries to wrestle up or out of position. Neil Magny is a tough matchup for anyone, but given the clash of skillsets, Burns is a deserving -454 favorite.

Pick: Gilbert Burns to win (-350)

The post Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny prediction | UFC 283 odds appeared first on The Body Lock.

Betting Odds

Chimaev is a massive favorite over Burns who is fighting as one of the biggest underdogs on the card.

• Chimaev: -555
• Burns: +380

Breakdown

Chimaev is truly elite. Even though his striking has been infrequent, as it has not been needed much in his career, it is crisp and powerful. Often being the larger fighter, Chimaev intelligently moves forward while keeping his opponent on the edge of his kickboxing range where he dictates the space and pace of the fight. Then, when he lands, he lands heavy. “Borz’s” wrestling, though, is the most impressive aspect of his game. Unlike other UFC fighters who will use a traditional American, Greco, or, increasingly popular, Dagestan style of wrestling, Chimaev tends to wrestle like a big brother play fighting with his younger brother. Chimaev will pick his opponent up and over his shoulder, carry him around the octagon, sometimes talk to Dana White, then slam his opponent down in front of his desired corner. Chimaev’s wrestling is less “takedown” and more “pick up and slam.” As soon as he secures the slam, the fight quickly ends. Chimaev’s ground work, specifically his ability to weave vicious ground and pound with lethal submissions is truly impressive. Because of Chimaev’s unparalleled dominance, where he has only been hit 1 time in 4 fights, skeptics will argue that Chimaev’s chin and cardio are still unproven; and, if either is tested, the mythical creature of the UFC could prove human.

No one Chimaev has fought has Burn’s power, pedigree, or prestigious submission game. This is because few fighters have the unique skillset of Burns. He has real power in his shots, both punches, and heavy leg kicks. He is unafraid to stand and bang in the middle because he often has the edge in power; but, he’s also comfortable in a fire fight because if he is dropped, his opponent going to the ground for a finish is a dangerous proposition. This is because Burns has high-level grappling and jiu-jitsu. “Durinho’s” deadly combination of athleticism and strength in his grappling allows him to secure submissions from a variety of angles, including his back. Rising to the #2 ranked welterweight and nearly finishing Usman means that Burns has very few flaws; the only real issue is he can leave his chin exposed when engaging in fire fights. If he can keep it tucked, Burn’s experience and jiu-jitsu should pose a new threat to Chimaev.

Prediction

I want to recognize that Chimaev’s betting line is out of hand and there is value on Burns. That being said, I see Chimaev getting another early finish. Chimaev’s x-factor is his timing and I see that skill propelling him to another victory. I anticipate Burns landing a leg kick or two, then throwing a big right hand. From here, Chimaev will have an opening to get another takedown, or slam. Even with Burn’s ground game as a threat, Chimaev’s wrestling is too high-level. Chimaev replicates his most recent fight with another 1st round finish.

Prediction: Chimaev by Round 1 Finish

The post UFC 273 Prediction: Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev betting odds, preview appeared first on The Body Lock.

Fight fans can watch every fight live (and replays) right now by purchasing here on the ESPN website.

We’ll also be providing play-by-play updates and live blog for every UFC 264 main card fight as it happens, including Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson right now.

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson play-by-play, live blog

Tai Tuivasa just knocked out Greg Hardy in the first round. That means Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson is coming up next!

Round one

Gilbert Burns stays low and looks like he wants to stick right in the middle of the cage. Tight circling from both fighters and it’s an apparent footwork battle for the center. Thompson’s feet are set and he’s ready to strike. Burns blitzes and swings an overhand. Burns shoots in for a single-leg that starts all the way down near the foot. He works his way up and he’s now got “Wonderboy” against the cage. He’s going for a double-leg now and Thompson’s base is solid — looks like he’s not going anywhere. Burns is still committed to the takedown. Thompson’s wide stance is perfect for balance and it’s making it hard for Burns to move him. Halfway through the round now and we’re without any truly significant strikes landing for each fighter.

But Burns gets the takedown. He’s on top now and he’s in half guard. He’s worked his way up Thompson’s body and is now targeting the arms. Excellent grappling, as expected, from Burns who is comfortable on top. Thompson scrambling and trying to rest against the cage to get back to his feet. But Burns is staying heavy. One minute left. Thompson gets his hips out and he’s coming back to his feet. Burns landing hard shots now and makes Wonderboy stand up. First big strikes of the fight and means Burns is obviously far ahead on the “impact” scoring category now. Jon Anik says that Wonderboy had landed just one strike in the first 4:50 of the round but the final moments of the round finish with a flurry and Burns slips while rushing at Thompson.

The Body Lock scores round one for Gilbert Burns (10-9)

Round two

Thompson leads with a leg kick. He’s planting his feet again and waiting for the right chance to strike but this style of fighting might not be suitable against Burns if he’s clearly hunting for takedowns instead of providing counter-striking opportunities. Thompson leading with the jab now. He’s light on his feet, on the toes, bouncing and waiting for Burns to make a mistake. But Burns isn’t committing to anything and seems content with sitting back out of range for now. An impressive side kick from Thompson connects. He’s winning this round so far as Burns is having difficulty closing the distance. Burns attempts to stomp the knee but Thompson slips back. Patient fight from Thompson and Burns is being sucked into a slower-than-ordinary fight because of the dangers that exist when fighting Thompson. Another kick from Thompson. Burns lands a punch of his own. A very competitive fight so far. Thompson sneaking forward now. Low kick lands for him. A 1-2 combo and then Burns comes back with a low kick. Right hand from Thompson and Burns dips for a single-leg but can’t secure it. Wonderboy’s round so far. One minute left. Burns isn’t doing enough. Thompson isn’t doing a whole lot but he’s landing more because he’s controlling the flow of the fight. Burns right hand connects, that’s the second decent punch from him this round. He lands a takedown and then some punches. Tough round to score now as bot fighters continue punching each other on the ground to finish round two. Burns might have done enough to edge that one.

The Body Lock scores round two for Gilbert Burns 10-9 (20-18)

Round three

Thompson advancing and looks to be more aggressive already this round. He needs to be as he’s down on our scorecard and we expect that some judges may have even been divided on the last one. Burns slipping and moving. Thompson trying to set up some offense, he spins and lands a spinning back kick to the head. Fantastic kick and connects hard. Burns shakes it off and puts his guard up. Thompson then follows with a combination of punches. But now Burns has turned it around and he’s advancing, he pushes Thompson back to the cage. He secures a body lock, swings, and then puts Thompson on his back.

Halfway through the round and Burns is on top in side control. Occasional punches to the head from top position. They’re adding up now and again it seems like they might turn the round in his favor after losing the fight on the feet. Burns’ takedowns have been a key to success in this one. He’s attempting to wrap up the neck of Thompson now and that forces Thompson to drop back to the mat. Burns postures up and unloads punches. They’re connecting hard but some seem to be hitting the back of the head.

The Body Lock scores round three for Gilbert Burns 10-9 (30-27)

Official Result: Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 264 Results

Saturday, July 10 – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Main Card – 10:00 pm (ET) on ESPN+ PPV

• Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor
• Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Tai Tuivasa def. Greg Hardy by knockout – R1
• Irene Aldana def. Yana Kunitskaya by TKO (ground and pound) – R1, 4:35
• Sean O’Malley def. Kris Moutinho via TKO – R3

Prelims – 8:00 pm (ET) on ESPN+

• Max Griffin def. Carlos Condit via unanimous decision
• Michel Pereira def. Niko Price via unanimous decision
• Ilia Topuria def. Ryan Hall via KO/TKO – R1, 4:47
• Dricus du Plessis def. Trevin Giles via KO/TKO – R2, 1:41

Early Prelims – 6:00 pm (ET) on ESPN+

• Jennifer Maia def. Jessica Eye via unanimous decision
• Brad Tavares def. Omari Akhmedov via split decision
• Zhalgas Zhumagulov def. Jerome Rivera via submission – R1, 2:03

The post UFC 264 Results: Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson play-by-play, live blog, video highlights appeared first on The Body Lock.

Thompson, likely the best-known Karateka amongst the UFC today, is currently riding a two-fight win streak over the likes of Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal, two performances where he outclassed his opponents to one-sided decisions.

On the other side of the cage, Burns is coming off of a loss to current welterweight king Kamaru Usman, however, prior to that, he had strung six victories together over some top talent such as Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia.

This matchup is largely being hailed as one of the better uses of the term “striker vs. grappler,” which is often overused and used improperly in the sport of MMA. However, when considering Thompson’s extensive career as a kickboxer including a 37-0 record, and Burns’ multiple IBJJF gold’s plus a bronze at ADCC, the term may never have been most fitting in the modern era.

Thompson vs. Burns betting odds

Stephen Thompson’s the betting favorite against Gilbert Burns before UFC 264 with odds of -165. Fight fans who think Burns can win this fight can make the most of the +135 underdog odds.

• Stephen Thompson: -165
• Gilbert Burns: +135

Thompson vs. Burns breakdown

Yet, although both specialists in their respective areas, the ways in which they have translated their skills to MMA have been very different. Wonderboy typically forces his opponents to fight him in his world, maintaining his long striking range and denying all and any takedown attempts. Burns in comparison, although often utilizing his high-level jiu-jitsu, has shown a readiness to test out his opponent’s chins as well.

Durinho’s best route to victory should be to force a bit more of a gritty fight. It’s likely there isn’t a clear path to victory for Burns, and he will have to absorb some shots to implement his game. Essentially, if he can mix things up and pour on the pressure, he has a better chance of landing his power strikes and securing grappling positions.

One of Burns’ biggest strengths as a fighter is he is extremely active even in empty space, meaning he is constantly feinting and moving his feet even when the two fighters are not engaging. By doing this, if he can force reactions out of Wonderboy, he may be able to chain together big combinations or hide takedown attempts behind his movements.

However, these are also much more likely to be successful if he can manage to put Wonderboy against the fence. As a Karate fighter, Thompson is comfortable when he has space to move, and with his best weapons working at distance, it is in Burns’ best interest to close the gap.

Wonderboy’s best bet is to force the opposite. He often does his best work when maintaining a longer range. In order to do this he has to gain Burns’ respect early, if not he then has to deal with Burns walking him down. If he can gain that respect, it will be an issue of staying consistent on his movement, angles, and picking the proper shots, three things that Wonderboy is a master of in the octagon.

One of the reasons that Stephen Thompson has such a high takedown defense rate at 78% is because predominantly working from kicking range forces his opponents to also shoot from the outside, leading to more time to react for Thompson. This works in conjunction with his sideways stance which only provides the single-leg for his opponents, pretty much neutralizing the idea of a double-leg. Therefore in order for Burns to get the fight to the mat and implement his BJJ game, it will be a problem of whether or not the two find themselves against the cage, where Burns can chain his wrestling in close.

In terms of the striking range, Burns has a habit of utilizing a very square stance, which is advantageous in a lot of ways but also opens him up to Wonderboy’s signature front leg sidekick. This technique is particularly useful in managing distance and keeping his opponents from entering the pocket.

If Wonderboy does find success in managing his range, his best tools along with this kick will be his jabs and crosses from both orthodox and southpaw. Durinho’s striking game is powerful and fast, but it also often comes from wide looping angles. His most dangerous weapons include his overhand right and his jumping knee, both moves which if landed flush could spark the end of the fight, however, they also leave room for quicker counters down the pipe. Wonderboy should mix in planted straight counters which can reach Burns’ chin before he can land, and give space while landing from outside Burns’ range.

Thompson vs. Burns prediction

Ultimately, this fight will be determined by who dictates the range and pace. If Burns can keep Wonderboy under constant pressure, he has the ability to hurt Wonderboy or take it to the mat. Wonderboy has terrific submission defense, however, the ADCC bronze medalist will likely control the fight from that point on. If Thompson can consistently keep Burns at kicking range and manage the pace of the fight so as to pick his shots, not only can Thompson come out once again with a dominant victory, we may very well see a vintage Wonderboy knockout.

This is an extremely close fight, but I will give the nod to Wonderboy. The best indicator of Burns’ ability against the ‘Point Karate’ style in MMA is his past fight with Gunnar Nelson. The elements of that fight which Burns has difficulty dealing with – specifically range and counters, will be amplified by Thompson. I see Wonderboy shifting out of range when Burns tries to engage and landing the cleaner counters, bringing him to a decision victory.

Prediction: Stephen Thompson to win by decision

More UFC 264 Predictions

• Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier predictions
• Sean O’Malley vs. Kris Moutinho
• Tai Tuivasa vs. Greg Hardy prediction
• Yana Kunitskaya vs. Irene Aldana prediction
• Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria prediction
• Niko Price vs. Michel Pereira prediction
• Omari Akhmedov vs. Brad Tavares prediction
• Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Jerome Rivera prediction
• Alen Amedovski vs. Hu Yaozong prediction

How to watch Stephen Thompson vs. Gilbert Burns

Watch Stephen Thompson vs. Gilbert Burns and the complete UFC 264 fight card featuring Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 3 only on ESPN+ this Saturday, July 10. Order PPV here.

Existing ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the UFC 264 PPV for $69.99.

New ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the UFC 264 & ESPN+ Bundle for $89.99.

The post UFC 264 Predictions: Stephen Thompson vs. Gilbert Burns odds, analysis appeared first on The Body Lock.

Join us for our UFC 258 post-fight show, recap, and analysis, starting now. We’ll discuss Usman’s impressive win against Burns, Alexa Grasso’s big win against Maycee Barber, Kelvin Gastelum’s return to form, and more.

Watch UFC 258 Post-Fight Show

UFC 258 Results

Saturday, February 13 – UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card

• Kamaru Usman def Gilbert Burns via TKO – R3, 0:34
• Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Kelvin Gastelum def. Ian Heinisch via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo via submission (anaconda choke) – R3, 4:17

Prelims

• Anthony Hernandez def. Rodolfo Viera via submission (guillotine) – R2, 1:53
• Belal Muhammad def. Dhiego Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Polyana Viana def. Mallory Martin via submission (armbar) – R1, 3:18
• Chris Gutierrez def. Andrew Ewell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

Early Prelims

• Gabriel Green def. Philip Rowe via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC 258 Post-Fight Show: Usman vs. Burns results, recap, reaction appeared first on The Body Lock.

Read on for Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns play-by-play updates or simply tune into our live fight companion on YouTube below.

Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns play-by-play

Round one

Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns is up next! In the meantime, join our live fight companion.

Gilbert Burns rushes out. Kamaru Usman sticking to the outside. Two leg kicks for Burns early. Burns making Usman fight from outside the black tape. Burns right hand sends Usman over. He stumbles. Burns unloading bombs. Crazy. How is Usman still standing? He’s just taken Burns’ best shots. Right head kick almost connects on Usman. Burns slips and invites Usman to the mat. Usman not passing guard and just kicking the legs of Burns. Patient game from both fighters here as Burns is playing open guard. Usman getting a chance to recover from those heavy shots as Burns lays on his back. Usman landing occasional hard punches to the body of Burns. Forces Burns to consider standing up. Usman kicking the legs of Burns. Knee connects on Usman’s chin. Body kick for Usman. Leg kicks from Burns. This is a great fight. High pace and both guys throwing with extreme power. Another right hand lands for Burns and Usman appeared hurt again for a second. Burns shoots but Usman stuffs. Usman’s chin is holding up. More punches from Burns. Left, right, and Usman hurting.

The Body Lock scores round one for Gilbert Burns (10-9)

Round two

Burns aggressive to start round two. Burns mixing up strikes by going to the legs of Usman. Burns looking strong so far and seemingly packs more power than Usman. Burns has been the one advancing for the majority of the fight and he’s having success walking Usman back. Usman having a hard time pushing Burns back due to the power differential. Usman pumping the jab now and then connects with a clean straight right hand that hurts Burns. Burns now on the back foot. Tide is turning. Usman marching forward. Burns trapped against the cage. Usman confident now  and pressuring Burns for the first time. Burns taking a moment to recover but Usman sticking the jab in his face. Usman’s jab connects clean and drops Burns. They’re back up and it’s all Usman now. Burns slowing down. Shoots for a single-leg and Usman stuffs it. It’s Usman’s fight as we end round two.

The Body Lock scores round two for Kamaru Usman (10-9, 19-19)

Round three

Burns advancing to start round three. Usman right straight sends Burns backward. Usman stands over Burns and lands some more punches. Herb Dean doesn’t know whether to stop it or not. Usman still punching. Dean still circling and unsure if he wants to step in. He eventually does and calls the fight for Usman. That’s a third-round TKO win for the welterweight champion!

Official decision: Kamaru Usman def Gilbert Burns via TKO – R3, 0:34

Read our full UFC 258 results here.

Watch UFC 258 Fight Companion

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Usman vs. Burns was initially scheduled for UFC 251 in July but was delayed after Burns tested positive for COVID-19. When Burns stepped out, Jorge Masvidal stepped in to face the champion and lost a decisive unanimous decision to Usman on the night.

Now, it looks like Burns will finally get his shot at Usman and the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 258.

In a video posted to The Body Lock’s YouTube channel, Patrick Auger and Drake Riggs discuss the potential rebooking of Usman vs. Burns and share their predictions for the fight.

The post Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns expected to headline UFC 258 appeared first on The Body Lock.

Burns is next in line to challenge Usman for the welterweight title in a fight that is expected to take place early next year.

It will be a battle of former teammates as when the fight was initially booked for UFC 251 in July, Usman would go on to switch camps from Sanford MMA to train under Trevor Wittman. He would later state that he felt a change was needed in his career regardless of the fact that he was facing Burns.

When it comes to mixed martial arts, teammates — especially teammates who are friends — don’t usually fight each other. However, Burns and Usman had no problem putting their friendship aside to test themselves against each other.

One reason for that according to Chiesa is that Burns may have had success against Usman whenever they did train or spar together at Sanford MMA.

That is one of the reasons why Chiesa is picking “Durinho” to come out on top.

“That’s going to be a hell of a fight I’m taking Burns over Usman for sure,” Chiesa told The Schmo in a recent interview. “That guy is a buzzsaw, dude. And when you look at the landscape of the sport, what history’s always told — let’s go back to when AKA had those three top contenders at 170 pounds: Josh Koshcheck, Jon Fitch and Mike Swick. Those guys will never fight each other, it’s just not going to happen.

“But maybe something happened in the training room between Burns and Usman that got Burns saying, ‘you know what? I will fucking fight this guy.’ Who knows what it is. Nonetheless, it’s going to be an exciting fight but I got to go with Gilbert Burns. I’m always going to be biased towards the jiu-jitsu players for sure.”

Burns tested positive for COVID-19 which led to his UFC 251 withdrawal. The fight was then set for UFC 256 in December only for Usman to require more time.

Hopefully, the third time is a charm and we get to see if Chiesa’s theory has some legs to it.

You can watch the full interview below:

The post Michael Chiesa picking Gilbert Burns over Kamaru Usman: ‘Maybe something happened in the training room’ appeared first on The Body Lock.