A key welterweight bout featuring former division kingpin Tyron Woodley taking on surging contender Gilbert Burns headlined tonight’s UFC on ESPN 9 event.
Woodley (19-5-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since surrendering his welterweight title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. Prior to that setback, ‘The Chosen One’ had put together a seven-fight unbeaten streak, which included three successful welterweight title defenses.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Burns (19-3 MMA) entered tonight’s contest with Tyron Woodley on a five-fight win streak, which included three straight wins in the promotions welterweight division. In his most previous effort this past March in Brazil, ‘Durinho’ had picked up a first round TKO victory over submission specialist Demian Maia.
Tonight’s UFC on ESPN 9 main event proved to be a one sided affair. Gilbert Burns would drop Tyron Woodley in the early stages of round one and the former champ never seemed to recover. ‘Durinho’ would go on to dominate the remaining rounds, dropping Woodley for a second time in round four, before ultimately being awarded the unanimous decision victory from the judges in attendance.
Official UFC on ESPN 9 Result: Gilbert Burns def. Tyron Woodley by decision (50-45, 50-44 x2)
Check out how the pros reacted to Burns defeating Woodley below:
Excited for this one boy!!!!! #UFCVegas
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 31, 2020
Here we go ! #OnGod
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) May 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/HerbertBurnsMMA/status/1266927928534724608
LETS GOOOOO Gilbert! #UFCApex #SanfordMMA
— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) May 31, 2020
Ready for this main event! #UFCApex
— Felicia The FeeNom Spencer (@FeeNom479) May 31, 2020
Let’s go @TWooodley
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 31, 2020
More pro reactions from Tyron Woodley vs Gilbert Burns:
I’m rooting for Woodley but right now this first round is looking rough https://t.co/3sRnp7cdus
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/Justin_Gaethje/status/1266933726488883201
Dropped him again!!!
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 31, 2020
50-44 @GilbertDurinho
What a performance!!
Outclass the for champion!!
Better on the feet, takedowns and ground control!!#UFCVegas— Herbert Burns (@HerbertBurnsMMA) May 31, 2020
So impressed with @GilbertDurinho Congrats on your amazing win. So happy for you my friend #UFCApex
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) May 31, 2020
Great job by @GilbertDurinho
Muito bom irmão @GilbertDurinho
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) May 31, 2020
I'm really happy for @GilbertDurinho. He literally made this fight happen. I might need to take the same approach to @SPonzinibbioMMA and @MikeMav22. I've said yes to any fight the @ufc has offered me. I just need my moment!
— Geoff (handzofsteel) Neal (@handzofsteelmma) May 31, 2020
Who would you like to see Gilbert Burns fight next following his decision victory over Tyron Woodley this evening in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on May 30, 2020