Gilbert Burns outworks Tyron Woodley in decisive decision win
Is Gilbert Burns next in line for a title shot?
After holding three events in the span of eight days in Jacksonville, Florida, the UFC returns to Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC on ESPN 9 tonight, Saturday, May 30.
Taking place at the UFC Apex, the event is headlined by former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns.
Woodley returns to the octagon for the first time in over a year. Most recently, the former champion lost his title by unanimous decision to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March 2019.
It marked the end of a three-year reign for “The Chosen One.” Woodley won the strap by defeating Robbie Lawler by first-round TKO at UFC 201 in July 2016. He defended the belt four times, including a draw to Stephen Thompson at UFC 205 in November 2016.
Burns is rising in the welterweight division with five-consecutive victories. He most recently beat Demian Maia by first-round TKO at UFC on ESPN+28 on March 14.
Here is how the welterweight bout between Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns went down at UFC on ESPN 9, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here.
ROUND 1
Burns rushes to the center, but Woodley is slow to come out. Burns lands an inside leg kick. Burns lands heavy strikes as Woodley comes in. Burns rains down hammer fists and Woodley gives up full mount. Woodley is shrimping from bottom position. The former champ is bleeding badly on the left side of his forehead. Burns looks at a guillotine, but gives up on it quickly. Burns keeping Woodley’s back flat against the canvas. Woodley scrambles and escapes out the back. Burns is in the center and lands a inside leg kick. Woodley still bleeding. Burns lands an outside leg kick as Woodley comes in. Burns misses on the jab. Burns using leg kicks frequently. Burns lands a kick to the body. Woodley ends the round on the outside. Burns much more active.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Burns
ROUND 2
Woodley works a right hook. Woodley coming out with his hands early. Woodley still on the outside, lands again on Burns. Burns misses with the jab. Burns remains in the center, comes forward with a short combination. Burns level changes and gets a takedown. Burns is in Woodley’s full guard as Woodley shrimps and gets his shoulders to the cage. Woodley begins to work his way up slowly. Burns stays high and tries to keep Woodley down. Woodley takes two left hands from Burns. Woodley is on his feet, but Burns is still pressing Woodley against the cage. Woodley ends the round by pressing Burns against the cage.
MyMMANews.com scores it 20-18 for Burns
ROUND 3
Burns in the center again with Woodley on the outside. Burns is active with his jab. Woodley lands a right cross as Burns comes forward. Woodley tries to work the body, but Burns shrugs it off. Burns lands a right hand and stuns Woodley. Burns just misses a looping right hook. Burns lands a leg kick and has Woodley pinned against the cage. Both men exchanging words. Burns sets up a right hook, but misses. Woodley lands a right hand, but Burns counters with a leg kick. Burns using his leg kicks to slow down Woodley. Burns lands a kick to the body. Burns throws a another kick to the body and lands. Burns uses a leg kick to set up right hook. Burns ends round in the center.
MyMMANews.com scores it 30-27 for Burns
ROUND 4
Burns comes center again, while Woodley remains on the outside. Burns lands the jab. Burns shoots for takedown, but Woodley defends and presses Burns against the cage. Burns lands a knee in the clinch. Burns reverses the position. Burns continues to batter the body of Woodley against the cage. Woodley reverses the position against the cage. Referee Herb Dean breaks the two up. Burns staying active, keeping Woodley on the outside. Burns lets his hands go and rocks Woodley. Woodley defends by shooting for takedown. Burns reverses the position against the cage. Burns breaks Woodley down with a takedown. Burns is looking for the back of Woodley. Burns is in the half guard of Woodley and lands some short ground and pound. Burns goes for a guillotine choke, but Woodley holds on till the end of the round.
MyMMANews.com scores it 40-36 for Burns
ROUND 5
Woodley lets his hands fly early. Burns shoots for a takedown and Woodley defends against the cage. Both men in the clinch, battling for control. Woodley reverses the position against the cage. Burns signals to the referee and Herb Dean breaks the two up. Burns is in the center of the octagon, pressing forward. Woodley looking for a heavy shot. Burns throws a kick, but misses. Woodley throws a left hook and Burns dips under for a takedown. Woodley defends and turns Burns to the cage. Woodley breaks free and they are squaring up. Burns lands a jab. Woodley throws a left, Burns counters.
MyMMANews.com scores it 50-45 for Burns
Official result: Gilbert Burns def. Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision [50-45, 50-44, 50-44]
