Crazy hypocrite or real contender?
One of the most outspoken hype trains in recent mixed martial arts (MMA) memory, Khamzat Chimaev is back in action at UFC 273 tonight (Sat, April 9, 2022) as he faces the greatest test of his fledgling martial arts career, Gilbert Burns, a former 170-pound title contender and current No. 2 in the talented welterweight class.
The Chechen wrestler literally takes no beating, dominating each of his four UFC bouts and demonstrating superb skill and athleticism in every appearance. Indeed, “Borz” looks like a future champion – and given the precedent of Khabib Nurmagomedov – it’s hard not to get on board. Still, Burns is a huge step up in the competition. “Durinho”, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace with considerable knockout power in both hands, is no easy task for any opponent at 170 pounds.
The People’s Main Event starts now!
Live updates will start flowing the moment the two fighters made their way to the Octagon…
LIFE! Watch UFC 273 PPV here on ESPN+!
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE DIP! The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, April 9, 2022 with a World Championship doubleheader featuring the Featherweight Champion. Alexander Volkanovskydefend against the contender for 4th place in the division, “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. In the pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event of UFC 273, Bantamweight Kingpin, Aljamain Sterling, runs it back with interim title holder and former champion, peter jan.
Don’t miss a second of EPIC face-punching action!
Khamzat, the monstrous favorite, was the first to sprint to the cage:
Then it was time for former title challenger Burns to head into the Octagon:
Khamzat literally sat on top of the cage, smiling and taking it all in while waiting for Burns to enter with his SMESH brother Darren Till – definitely never seen before.
Round one:
Khamzat came out with a big loop to the right that missed, falling to his knee and trying to take him down immediately. Burns struggled fiercely to stay upright and Khamzat finally dragged him to the bottom of the fence after a minute. Burns was able to get back on his feet and then did a nice roll to break his grip. Khamzat stood over him, and referee Mike Beltran stepped in to get Burns back on his feet. A calf kick from Burns knocked Khamzat off balance, then a body kick as he began to settle. Big straight right hand from Burns then a left hook as Khamzat just hopped around looking for an opening. Ovdrhand to Burns’ right, then a one-two combination that Khamzat didn’t really want to block. Khamzat’s big right hand that was partially blocked. Burns’ low kick threw Khamzat off balance while batting, and Khamzat returned right away. A direct shot from Khamzat hit Burns on the butt, then the Dagestani spun insanely to the ground. Burns fired back from his back with hammer fists, eventually allowing Burns to get back to his feet. The two traded shots up to the bell. Great lap, most likely Khamzat came out on top.
Round Two:
Looks like Burns split his wig at the late ground-and-pound, but nothing serious. Burns attempted an early takedown but Khamzat was nowhere to be found. Jabs from Khamzat pinned Burns against the cage, but he fired back and stunned “Borz” with a hard right hand. Front kick from Khamzat, then an overhand right hand burns on the run. He attempted another takedown in the middle of the cage but Khamzat was in the cement. Burns drilled him with a huge shot that stunned Khamzat, then followed up with a barrage of punches that seemed to get Khamzat in trouble. The pace slowed and Khamzat was able to recover and hit with a low kick as Burns continued his asserta upstairs. Burns kept pouring it up, landing on his back and piercing Khamzat with a huge shot that shattered his nose. Khamzat kept marching forward though, getting a little wild with his shots as Burns kept pounding away with his straight jab. Burns bodykicks and Khamzat counters with a right hand. Burns big shot at the bell which Khamzat dropped then kicked him on the way up which looked illegal but wasn’t sure anyone cared. What a round!
Round three:
Five more minutes and it seems the fight was even. Khamzat came out and pumped the jab while Burns jabbed him with jabs of his own and hard counters. Burns, looking visibly exhausted, went for another shot and was almost able to knock him off his feet. Burns shot along the fence, Khamzat pelted him with gunfire, blood from his forehead dripping down Khamzat’s back in a clinch. Khamzat continued to corral Burns along the fence like a wounded animal, hitting him with partially blocked shots and hoping he would fall off. He did not do it. He landed a big right hand that Khamzat returned moments later. It was still an all-out dogfight with a minute to go, with Burns landing three direct overhand rights and then following them up with a series of left jabs. Burns checked the clock with 20 seconds left as Khamzat landed a high kick, then a shot to the gut at the end that could very well have won him the fight. OH WHAT A FIGHT!!!!!
Bottom line: Khamzat defeated. Burns by unanimous decision (29-28 x3) — SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS!
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