Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Herbert Burns, the younger brother of surging UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns, made a huge Octagon debut earlier tonight (Sat., Jan 25, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 166 live on ESPN+ from inside PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, when he connected with a vicious first-round knockout (knee) over former M-1 featherweight champion Nate Landwehr.
Burns wasted little time moving in on Landwehr to land a beautiful takedown along the cage. Landwehr immediately tried to return to his feet but ultimately left his neck open for a tight D’Arce attempt. Burns, who is known for his submission skills, nearly forced the tap as he squeezed for what seemed like a lifetime.
Landwehr would recover and find his way back to his feet. The former M-1 titleholder immediately moved in for a flurry of punches along the cage only to have Burns counter with a vicious knee inside that connected on the chin. The lights cut off, Landwehr feel to the canvas, and Burns landed two brutal insurance shots before the referee stepped in.
Check out the memorable finish above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
With this performance, Burns not only secures his first career win by knockout but he makes a big statement in his first trip to the Octagon. The 31-year-old may not pack as much potential as his older brother Gilbert, but Burns is a finisher that could make some nose in 2020 as the promotion opens him up to greater competition.
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