UFC Vegas 97: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady: Live round-by-round updates
UFC Vegas 97 will be headlined by a welterweight matchup between Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.
Burns (22-7) is currently at a low point in his career. He is on a two-fight skid with his last loss coming via KO against Jack Della Maddalena. Currently ranked No.6 in the division, 'Durinho' will need a win this weekend if he is to build back up to another title shot.
Despite his current string of losses, the former title challenger holds wins against the likes of Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson, and Neil Magny, among others.
Meanwhile, Brady (16-1) was last seen in a third-round submission win over Kelvin Gastelum in December. The sole loss of his professional career came via TKO to current champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 280.
Currently ranked No.8 in the division, a win against a big name like Burns will greatly elevate Brady's standing in the division.
Per the UFC's official website, Brady is a -180 favorite over Burns (+150 underdog) for the matchup.
The main card of UFC Vegas 97 will kick off later this evening (Sept. 7) at 7 p.m. ET. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Watch the pair's final face-off below:
UFC Vegas 97: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady
Round 1
Brady is using leg kicks to halt Burns' advance. The American connects with a crisp one-two. Brady seems to be the faster of the two on the feet. Burns shoots for a takedown, and he gets it, but Brady quickly postures back to the feet.
The American backs up his opponent to the fence with a multi-punch combo. Brady tries to pick his opponent up off of his feet but is unsuccessful. He employs a trip to momentarily take Burns to the ground.
The pair clinches up near the fence and Brady picks Burns up and slams him to the ground. 'Durinho' quickly gets back to his feet, but Bardy is still trying to take his opponent down.
Burns reverses position and pushes Brady onto the cage wall.
Our score: 10-9 Brady
Round 2
Burns wobbles his opponent with a big left hand. Brady quickly clinches up to recover. The American tries a double-leg takedown but is unsuccessful in taking his opponent down.
As they separate, Brady connects with multiple shots to the head. 'Durinho' connects with a big right hand. He misses with another overhand right. Burns seems to have dialed up the momentum.
However, as soon as Burns gets going on the feet, Brady clinches up to disrupt the rhythm. Brady gets a takedown, and he almost gets guillotine on his opponent, but Burns quickly gets back up.
Brady's boxing is crisp tonight as he is connecting with most of his punches.
Our score: 10-9 Brady
Round 3
As the third round unfolds, 'Durinho' comes out aggressive. The duo gets into a clinch and Brady lands a few good shots to the head. Brady tries to get another takedown, but Burns reverses position and gets out of danger.
Brady is having a good day at the office. He is outlanding Burns on the feet and is coming out on top during most grappling scenarios. Burns seems to be breathing heavily.
As the pair separate, Burns lands a powerful elbow on the inside. Burns gets a takedown but his opponent quickly gets back up. Brady picks his opponent up and slams him onto the canvas. He then finds success with some quality ground and pound.
Our score: 10-9 Brady
Round 4
An accidental low blow by Brady puts a momentary stop to the action. As the fight restarts, an accidental low blow, this time by Burns, has Brady squealing in pain.
As the fight restarts once again, Brady is employing quick leg kicks to keep 'Durinho' from closing range. A powerful body kick lands for Brady. Burns answers with a powerful right hand.
A trio of jabs lands for the American. A counter right hand by Burns snaps back his opponent's head. The pair once against clinches up near the fence, and Brady seems intent on getting another takedown.
As they separate, Brady sneaks in a few quick punches before exploding for a takedown. He gets it and puts 'Durinho' on the canvas. Burns tries to posture out and even tries to lock in a heel hook but is unsuccessful. An amazing scramble follows with Burns eventually taking his opponent's back.
Our score: 10-9 Brady
Round 5
As the closing round unfolds, Brady seems to be the fresher fighter. Burns might need a finish to win the fight at this point.
Brady seems to be in control of the fight. Both fighters connect with a few quality shots on the feet. A time-out is called as Brady is hit with a low blow.
As the fight restarts, Brady explodes with a flurry. Burns still seems a bit gun-shy. A jumping knee lands for the Brazilian. 'Durinho' misses with a wild overhand right. Shortly after, Brady goes for the single leg and gets a takedown.
Burns threatens an omoplata to get back up the feet. But he is once again taken down by Brady. The American's offensive wrestling seems to be too much to handle for the former welterweight title challenger.
Burns gets back to the feet once again but is quickly taken down before the closing bell.
Our score: 10-9 Brady
Official decision: Sean Brady def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46).
Check out the official decision below: