Highlights! ‘Durinho’ Dominates Woodley From Start To Finish

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Gilbert Burns dominated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at every turn of their main event clash last night (Sat., May 30, 2020) live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, capturing a lopsided unanimous decision and the biggest win of his professional career.

Burns cracked Woodley early during a powerful exchange and knocked him to the canvas. Woodley survived but got opened up with a bad cut above his left eye. Burns would find full mount and score valuable top control, but not much damage was inflicted. Woodley would eventually explode to his feet. Burns ended up connecting with a crisp left hook before the end of the round.

Woodley started to feint in Round 2 and found some success with his hands. Burns kept the pressure building and ended up scoring a takedown on “Chosen One,” which rarely happens inside of the Octagon. Woodley once again powered his way to his feet only to have Burns slam two quick punches into his face.

The action slowed to start the third until Woodley landed a crisp straight right. Burns remained in control and welcomed the former UFC champion to the center of the cage. Burns kept trying to land a big right hand but Woodley’s movement and head work looked good. However, Burns did land sharp leg kicks that seemed to hurt “Chosen One.” Burns starred down Woodley after the round ended.

The fourth round saw a desperate Woodley get a little more active with combinations and short punches to the body before Burns tied the action up along the cage. Once separated, Burns unloaded combinations that snapped Woodley’s head back and left him even more confused. Burns then exploded for a powerful string of punches that rocked Woodley and dropped him to one knee. “Durinho” would gain top control and ride out the rest of the round.

In the fifth and final round, Woodley started to swing for the fences but Burns was there to check him with another hard leg kick. Burns then went back to his clinch game to keep Woodley trapped along the cage. “Chosen One” dug deep and attempted to land a fight-changing attack, but Burns left him little room, pressing the action and scoring more offense at every turn.

In the end, Burns shined over all five rounds and walked away the impressive unanimous decision win.

Check out the full fight video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:

For complete UFC on ESPN 9 results and coverage click here.