Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady will square off in a Welterweight contest tonight (Sat. Sept. 7, 2024) at UFC Vegas 97 from UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
At 38 years of age, Burns enters this main event opportunity in a must-win position if he’s to remain in the Welterweight title mix. The former title challenger has lost two fights in a row, and he’s acknowledged he doesn’t have very many fights left in the tank. The level of competition is not declining, however, as Brady remains one of the top young fighters in the Welterweight title mix. He’s lost just once in 17 professional fights, and that defeat came to the current champion, Belal Muhammad! In short, Burns either remained a top contender or ceded his spot to Brady.
Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon …
Round One
Brady opens the fight with good movement and an active low kick. He wades forward with a 3-2 and lands both punches. He isn’t throwing a lot, but Burns is pressuring a bit. 90 seconds into the round, Burns timed a double leg perfectly but couldn’t hold his foe down. Brady strings together a long combo and tries unsuccessfully to drag Burns to the floor. The two trade short shots and positions in the clinch. With a minute remaining, Brady scores his first takedown of the fight, but Burns also pops back up immediately.
10-9 Brady
Round Two
Brady opens the second with a big left kick, but Burns cracks him with a right in response! Sadly, the two clinch up immediately afterward. Brady drives hard for the takedown but nothing doing. Brady throws good, fast combinations when the two separate. Burns finds a home for his straight right hand. The action stalls out a bit in the clinch once again. When they separate, Brady chops the lead leg a couple times. Burns needs way more activity. He’s not getting beaten up, but he’s losing the numbers game badly.
10-9 Brady
Round Three
Burns is a bit more active with his jab and kicks to start the third, but he once again ends up in the clinch. Brady can’t land takedowns or big shots there, but he’s controlling the fight. Burns lands a good knee on the break and one right hand before getting shoved back into the fence. More clinch jockeying. Burns lands a counter right hand and turns it into a ripping series of shots. The two trade takedowns, but it’s Brady who ends up in top position. He finishes the round on top, but Burns landed the heavier blows in my eyes.
10-9 Burns
Round Four
The two traded back-to-back low blows and respective breaks to start the fourth. Brady landed some nice kicks on the restart. His jab was active too. Burns landed a clubbing right, and Brady put him back into the fence. Burns landed a good knee and right hand combo, but he just couldn’t keep Brady off him for long. Brady scored a powerful double leg takedown with 90 seconds remaining in the round. Burns uses a leg lock attempt to reverse positions, but Brady is back to his feet before long. One last mat return from Burns before the bell. Close round.
10-9 Brady
Round Five
The fifth round continues in similar fashion. Brady uses his jab to get Burns’ guard up then lands light shots. Burns swings wide but only on occasion. Brady goes back to the low kick with good success. After some clinch work, Brady finishes a takedown into the closed guard. Burns can’t get much going from his back and ends the fight on bottom. Not a great fight, but a clear win from Brady.
10-9 Brady
Result: Sean Brady defeats Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision
For complete UFC Vegas 97 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.