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Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer
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.