(via Zuffa LLC)
Belal Muhammad Outlasts Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in New Jersey
The co-main event of UFC 288 featured a welterweight clash with potential title implications, as Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns collided inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Burns landed an inside leg kick early on and then went upstairs to split the guard of his opponent. Muhammad blocked a high kick and landed a body kick. Burns briefly got Muhammad to the mat, but Belal quickly got back to his feet and the two returned to trading leather.
The inside of Burns' nose was bloody and he ended up being off balance twice thanks to Muhammad's offense. Round one came to a close and Burns' corner called for him to be more patient.
Muhammad continued to put pressure on Burns with his kicks and punches. A stinging body kick landed for Muhammad. He kept attacking that area, forcing Burns to drop his hands in an attempt to block the body shots.
Muhammad moved forward with high kicks over two minutes left in the third round. Burns threw a knee to the body. Speculation grew in the UFC commentary booth on a possible injury to Burns' arm. At the end of the third round, Burns looked frustrated and a conversation with his coach seemed to confirm he was dealing with some sort of left shoulder issue.
Muhammad was in control throughout the fight, and this one went to the judges. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Belal, who is hoping everyone will "Remember The Name."
Final Result: Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
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