Welterweights collide for the next title shot!
In the co-main event of UFC 288, Belal Muhammad takes on Gilbert Burns in a high-profile matchup. The fight takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Round 1:
Both fighters take their time finding their distance. Burns blocks a headkick from Muhammad. Muhammad lands a straight left. Burns fires leg kicks. Muhammad lands a beautiful kick to the body. Burns shoots for a takedown but Muhammad stuffs it with ease. Muhammad lands a leg kick of his own. Muhammad rocks Burns on the feet, nearly getting a knockdown in the process. Muhammad lands a headkick which stumbles Burns once more.
CDS: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 2:
Muhammad continues his attack, landing kicks to the body of Burns over and over again. Burns lands a good right hand. Burns’ punches find their target on a combo. Muhammad lands another great body kick. Burns lands a leg kick. Muhammad presses forward before the round ends.
CDS: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 3:
A nut shot from Burns halts the fight for a moment. Burns lands good leg kick. Muhammad goes up top with a headkick that is blocked by the Brazilian. Muhammad’s right hand finds its target multiple times. Muhammad kicks the ribs of Burns. Muhammad partially lands a headkick. Burns lands a body kick on Muhammad. Muhammad lands a headkick and then a sharp jab. Muhammad continues to engage, throwing his headkick twice.
CDS: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 4:
Burns catches Muhammad with leg kicks. Muhammad puts together effective combos, landing to the body as well as the head. Muhammad lands a punishing body kick. A headkick from Burns is blocked. Burns lands a hard right hand. Muhammad throws a knee to the body while Burns returns with a leg kick. Muhammad mixes it up well in the striking department. Muhammad eats a big blow from Burns but is left rather unfazed by it.
CDS: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 5:
Burns lands a leg kick. Muhammads land a few good left hands. Burns lands a fast kick to the body. Muhammad counters effectively with a right hand. Muhammad attacks the body and head of Burns with punches. Muhammad’s right hand gets through. Both fighters exchange strikes from a close distance. Burns eat another body kick from Muhammad.
CDS: 10-9 Muhammad
Official result: Belal Muhammad defeats Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Check out the highlights:
Three rounds down – two to go!
How are you scoring our #UFC288 co-main? pic.twitter.com/Gi7kyaUxyQ
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
it's all love after 5 hard rounds 🤝 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/NF8tVmihxE
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Unanimous for @BullyB170! 🙌
He secures the W over Gilbert Burns in our #UFC288 co-main! pic.twitter.com/OC7RqFc82X
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
