Sean Brady overwhelms Gilbert Burns by decision at UFC Fight ...

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff WriterSep 7, 2024, 10:16 PM ET

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MMA columnist for ESPN.com Analyst for "MMA Live" Covered MMA for Las Vegas Sun

Philadelphia's Sean Brady solidified himself as one of the top welterweights in the world on Saturday, outpointing Gilbert Burns in a five-round main event in Las Vegas.

Brady (17-1) defeated Burns (22-8) via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. Brady, 31, maintained a steady pace throughout the five-round fight and dominated Burns in every aspect of the 170-pound contest. The judges scored it 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46 for Brady.

The win improved Brady's mark in the UFC to 7-1. His only loss came to current champion Belal Muhammad in October 2022.

"He's tough as f---, but I feel like I did better work on the feet than on the ground," said Brady, who is known for his wrestling style. "He was tough to get down and strong against the fence. I should be ranked way ahead of [No. 7-ranked Ian Machado Garry] now. Obviously, I want someone in the top five [next]."

Pace was Brady's friend on Saturday, as he maintained a steady volume of strikes and takedown attempts against Burns. According to UFC Stats, he outlanded Burns 251-71 in total strikes and attempted 17 takedowns to only six for Burns. He effectively worked his jab in the first half of the fight, and highlighted a fifth and final round with a steady diet of effective leg kicks.

Burns, who unsuccessfully challenged Kamaru Usman for the championship in 2021, struggled to get anything going over the 25-minute affair. He had a couple moments with boxing exchanges on the feet, including a right hand that appeared to stun Burns a little bit in the second round, but his moments were few and far between.

He also had a brief window of opportunity in the fourth round, when he nearly took Brady's back in a scramble in the final minute. Brady calmly defended the position though and went on to win the frame. Burns has lost three in a row -- to Brady, Jack Della Maddalena and Muhammad.

Muhammad does not have a title defense booked but is expected to face undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov next.