Sean Brady bouncing back from adversity
It was the end of round two and Sean Brady and his undefeated record were coming to an end as Belal Muhammad, the future welterweight champion, poured on the volume. It had all came crashing down. You can’t get finished by Belal Muhammad. Except he did.
No disrespect to Belal Muhammad either. But his power leaves a lot to be desired. But Sean Brady was supposed to beat Muhammad and move on to the title. Instead, he’d be set back, and the future wasn’t going to be kind to him.
Sean Brady’s all time low
Following his first career professional loss to Muhammad, Sean Brady’s woes were just beginning. He’d just beat Craig Jones in a grappling bout and notched wins over Michael Chiesa and Jake Matthews. He’d become the next contender with a win. But now it was all over.
He was then scheduled for a semi-layup against Michel Pereira, an explosive fighter allergic to wrestling. Right in Brady’s wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the comeback would be postponed as Brady pulled out due to a groin injury.
So, he comes back again, this time against surging prospect Jack Della Maddalena. Maddalena has high hopes as a welterweight with incredible standup and was a great opportunity to put Brady back on the map. Then Brady caught an infection and was forced out again.
He seemed to be on track again to his winning ways. He defeated former middleweight title challenger via Kelvin Gastelum via a third round kimura. He would then crash back into the rocks of reality and was rumored to be fighting Vicente Luque. But that fight never came to fruition as he was still dealing with an injury. But he would be back and take his time.
Another shot at the top for Sean Brady
Sean Brady finally returns this weekend against former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns. When the UFC brass is thinking about who is next for that ever-coveted title shot, they look for either a former champion or a former title challenger.
Granted, Kelvin Gastelum never fought for the title at 170, he did have a war with Israel Adesanya in days long gone. Gilbert Burns is a much tougher task. He’s a jiu jitsu champion, hurt Kamaru Usman, and went life and death with Khamzat Chimaev. He’s as game as it gets.
Burns is a tough fight for the game of Sean Brady. But a dominating win would be a statement and would put Brady within striking distance of a title eliminator against a Leon Edwards or Kamaru Usman.
But the task in front of him is Gilbert Burns. Losing isn’t a death in the career of Sean Brady like it is for the 38-year-old Burns. At 31, Brady has time to become champion. But losing puts that timeline back and creates an opportunity for a short reign. Legacy is built on longevity.
