Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady: What does the result mean for the welterweight division?
In the ever changing world of mixed martial arts, especially in the UFC’s welterweight division, a single fight can change the path of the title, the position of the contenders and the history of the fighters. Closely contested bouts such as Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady are the type of fights that have the potential to set the division on its head. The two fighters had a lot riding on this fight and the result not only impacted the two men directly but also the future of the welterweight division.
In this article, we’ll look at the fight itself, the aftermath of the fight, and what it means for the welterweight division. Also, we will look at possible future bouts for both Burns and Brady and for the rest of the contenders who are aiming to challenge for the UFC title. At the end of this exhaustive study, we will be in a position to understand the position of the division and how this outcome affects the hierarchy.
Chapter One: The Fighters – Context and Importance
Before we look at the result, it is important to know the background of these two fighters when they entered the Octagon.
Gilbert “Durinho” Burns
Gilbert Burns has been a part of the UFC for quite some time now and has earned his place as one of the most deadly and well rounded fighters in the welterweight division. Born as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt, Burns has over the years built up his stand-up skills in order to become a versatile fighter. Burns was once a lightweight fighter and he got a new lease of life when he stepped up the welterweight division where he could use his strength and grappling skills to the fullest.
This was when he got his biggest break in 2020 when he got a title shot against the welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Even though Burns got defeated in the bout, he was still a popular fighter because of his grit and the thrilling exchanges in the fight especially when he stunned Usman in the beginning. Since then, Burns has faced elite level of competition and has kept on with his top five ranking after defeating fighters such as Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny. A win over Sean Brady will be another accomplishment in his career and may get him another title shot or a number one contender fight.
Sean Brady
Sean Brady is one of the new generation fighters of the UFC. Before this match, Brady had not lost a single fight and gained his reputation thanks to victories over such opponents as Jake Matthews and Michael Chiesa. Popular for his wrestling, grappling, and a very suffocating top game, Brady was seen as a dark horse in the welterweight division. However, he did not have the same popularity as Burns, but his skills and the fact that he had never been knocked out were telling of his abilities.
This fight with Burns was a perfect opportunity for Brady to make a statement and establish himself in the welterweight division, get a shot at the title and make a name for himself. If Brady defeats Burns, he will establish himself as a serious contender and will get a chance to face big names such as Colby Covington, Khamzat Chimaev or even Leon Edwards based on the title situation.
Chapter 2: The Fight – Scene by Scene and Tactical Analysis
This was a highly anticipated match since both Burns and Brady provided a great style of fighting. Burns, who possesses lethal knockout punch and phenomenal grappling skills, was pitted against Brady who is known for his wrestling and ground control and this made for an interesting match up.
Round 1: Testing the Waters
During the initial round, both the fighters were quite reserved as they were still trying to gauge their opponent’s strength and strategy. Burns was using his movement to keep the distance and threw quick flurries of punches while Brady was trying to get inside and clinch with him. Brady, who is a wrestler, was probably trying to see how good Burns is at defending takedowns in the early stages of the fight.
But, Burns stood his ground and the experience that he had made him hit the more powerful shots in the range. While Brady was somewhat effective in moving closer and trying to take Burns down, Burns was able to do a good job at stopping it. The first round was a fairly even battle, but Burns’ striking appeared to be the key factor as he was able to land several leg kicks and sharp jabs which put Brady off balance.
Round 2: Momentum Shifts
In the second round the fight started to get more exciting and less technical. Brady started to come forward with more intent knowing that he had to take the fight to the wrestling. He was able to drop Burns in the middle of the round but Burns’ BJJ was evident as he threatened with submission and was able to get back to his feet as quickly as possible.
Feet, however, started to suit Burns and he began to get into the rhythm. He was able to land several strong punches that would stagger Brady, including a right hand that appeared to pain Brady. Recognising this, Burns went for the attack but Brady’s heart and chin allowed him to survive the storm. Nevertheless, it was noticeable that Burns was more effective in the striking department especially as the fight progressed and Brady began to slow down due to the energy that Burns was putting in.
Round 3: Burns Takes Over.
It was in the third round that Burns was seen to be taking the lead. He kept on connecting with the cleaner and more devastating shots, and although Brady was trying to close the distance and get the fight to the mat, Burns’ backpedaling and defense was sound. Burns even started to engage in his grappling which meant that Brady had to fight off submission and takedowns.
In the last part of the round, Burns delivered combinations that forced Brady to back up. Although the fight did not end in a knockout, Burns was much more dominant in the last round and the entire fight. The striking, takedown defense, and the overall intelligence in the cage helped him defeat the once unbeaten Brady.
Chapter 3: Immediate Aftermath – What the Result Means for the Fighters
Gilbert Burns’ Path Forward
For Gilbert Burns, this is a huge victory. Humble a previously unbeaten prospect like Sean Brady and he has to be considered right up there with the division’s best and back in the mix for a title shot. Given that Burns is already ranked well in the division, this win positions him well to either fight for the title or for the number one contender’s match.
Burns’ options moving forward are intriguing:
Title Shot – If Leon Edwards defeats Colby Covington then Burns will be in line for a title shot. Although he has faced and been defeated by Usman, Usman is no more the champion and a new face off with Leon Edwards could be interesting for the UFC and the fans.
Khamzat Chimaev – Burns already fought Chimaev in a Fight of the Year contender and lost a close decision. Rematch could be possible, particularly after the first fight that they had and the excitement it brought. It could be a bit of a tricky situation given Chimaev is now also competing at middleweight, but if Chimaev were to decide to come back to welterweight then the UFC could certainly look at this option again.
Contender Fights – If Burns doesn’t get an immediate title shot, a fight with Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov could be an excellent way to determine the next number one contender. Muhammad and Rakhmonov have been on great winning sprees and a fight with Burns would be a high risk and high reward for all the parties involved.
Sean Brady’s Next Steps
This defeat is of course a disappointment for Sean Brady but it is by no means the end of the world for him. Every great fighter goes through a period of struggle and for Brady this could be a loss which could make him a better fighter. He was up against one of the division’s top contenders and one of the most dangerous fighters in the division and although he didn’t get the win, he displayed courage and resilience.
Brady’s path forward will depend on how he bounces back from this defeat:
Mid-Tier Contenders – It would make a lot of sense for Brady to fight someone in the lower end of the top-10 or top-15. Potential opponents such as Geoff Neal, Vicente Luque or Neil Magny could help Brady to get back into the mix in the division but not right away into top 5.
Training on Striking and Cardio – Another thing that can be learned from this bout is that Brady had problems with his cardio during the fight and particularly against a high-volume striker like Burns. If he is to challenge the best in the division, then his striking is also an area that he needs to work on. Brady will have to work on his stand-up skills and work on his fitness to be able to get back to the top of the division.
Rebuild and Reset – Brady is still only 30 years of age and therefore has the time to make changes and return from the situation stronger. This is a big blow but it does not mean that he is a player who lacks the skills and ability that made him a prospect in the first place. One or two fights and development in his performance may put him in title contention in a year or two.
The final part: How the Changes Affect the UFC Welterweight Championship
The welterweight is one of the most stacked divisions in the entire UFC, with many experienced fighters and young talents. The decision of the case Burns vs. Brady has several implications in the division.
The Title Picture
Of course, with Leon Edwards holding the welterweight title, the division’s title picture is a bit murky at the moment. The next title shot is likely to go to Colby Covington, after that the contenders are more or less trying to establish themselves. Burns’ win over Brady will make him a contender for another title shot especially if Covington defeats Edwards to become the champion.
Burns is a former title challenger, and he’s always going to be involved in the title picture, especially when he is beating the likes of Sean Brady, an undefeated prospect. If Colby Covington was to defeat Leon Edwards for the welterweight title then Burns could possibly fight Covington since the two have not faced each other. The UFC usually likes to create new fights and a fight between Covington and Burns would be a good one, with Covington’s wrestling based game against Burns who is more versatile.
If Edwards were to keep the title and defeat Covington then Burns may have to wait for another title shot or fight again to earn it. Edwards has a very diverse skill set and possesses good striking and takedown defense and a Burns vs. Edwards fight would be an exciting bout for the fans to watch especially because of the improvements that Burns has made since his last title bout against Usman.
The Contender Landscape
The Burns vs. Brady result also changes the balance of power between the contenders below the champion. Before the fight, Sean Brady was considered as the up and coming fighter who has the ability to dethrone the champions of the division. His defeat at the hands of Burns has temporarily put a stop to that rise and it opens up the door for other rising fighters such as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad to climb the ladder towards title contention.
This win only strengthens Burns’ position as a gatekeeper of the division and for the time being, it is evident that any up and comer who wishes to challenge for the title will have to get past him. Burns is a fight that the new generation of fighters have to go through like Brady but his impressive victory shows that he is still one of the best fighters in the division.
While Burns is coming off a loss, Belal Muhammad is in the middle of a great winning streak and a fight between the two of them could very well be a title eliminator. Muhammad is a grinder who likes to take his opponents down and control them on the ground while Burns is a striker who possesses dangerous submission skills which would make for an exciting match-up. The Kazakhstani fighter Rakhmonov who is also undefeated is also on the rise and a bout between him and Burns would be interesting.
Veterans and Established Fighters
For fighters like Jorge Masvidal, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Vicente Luque the result of Burns vs. Brady does not concern them directly but it shows that it is very hard to remain in the top of the welterweight division. Burns has already defeated many of these veterans and his victory over Brady just makes his argument for either getting more high profile fights or sitting out and waiting for a title shot even stronger.
Masvidal, despite the fact that he has lost his last two fights, has not lost his charm because he is a popular fighter but it is difficult to envision him fighting Burns next since Burns is ranked higher. But if Masvidal can put together a couple of wins, a rematch with Burns could be in the cards for him in the future. Stephen Thompson, who has been known for his karate style, is still a threat to anyone in the division, but he might be the last man standing when it comes to title shot if he can beat one of the young guns.
Vicente Luque who has fallen to both Burns and Muhammad is in the process of rebuilding himself after suffering a few setbacks. It will probably take him a couple of victories to get back into the top 5 contender spot but his aggressive fighting style is always entertaining and a rematch with Burns could be a good fight, though it might not be in either fighter’s plans shortly.
New Generation and Future Hope.
In the context of the UFC welterweight division, Burns vs. Brady has provided a lesson that experience counts in the big fights. Sean Brady, who was extremely gifted and had an unblemished record going into this fight, was tested by the more experienced Burns, proving that even the future stars need to go through adversity in order to be considered as elite.
Future prospects such as Ian Garry and Jack Della Maddalena who are still on the come up will have taken notice of this result. For them, the takeaway is clear: It is clear that it is not enough to possess talent in order to be in the top-5. They will have to be versatile, psychologically strong and ready to face the variety of dangers coming from fighters like Burns, Muhammad or even the experienced fighters like Thompson and Luque.
Garry, in particular, has been very open about his intentions of winning the title and as he keeps on improving his position in the rankings he may face a fighter like Burns in the future. If Garry or another future champion is to face Burns then they will have to be ready to face his stand-up and ground game as Brady discovered.
Part 5: The Fight’s Effect on the Welterweight Division
Burns’ Stock Rises: A Top Contender Cemented.
The win for Gilbert Burns makes him the gatekeeper to the elite of the welterweight division. But more than that it just adds to his legacy as one of the most versatile and deadly fighters in the division. Burns proved that at 37 years of age, he is still a work in progress, especially with his striking and remains a tough contender. This is a man with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt credentials and in this fight, it was his all round skill that came to the fore.
The UFC welterweight division is one of the most talented divisions in the entire UFC with a mix of the experienced fighters, new comers, and technical fighters from around the world. Thus, Burns was able to stop the progress of one of the division’s promising talents in Sean Brady and remain the fighter who could have another shot at the title.
With this win, the Burns is now a fighter who can fight anyone in the top-ten and still be a force to reckon with. If the UFC wishes to schedule a high-profile number one contender fight, Burns would be perfect for the job, especially considering the fact that he is an exciting fighter who always gives his best in every match.
Brady’s First Setback: Reflections and the Way Forward
It can be said that Sean Brady’s first career loss was a turning point in his career. It is not uncommon for every great fighter to experience losses in his career, and how a fighter handles his first loss is usually a pointer to how his career will be. For Brady, the defeat to Burns is a lesson that he still has a lot to improve on especially in the area of striking and cardio.
However, one must not forget that Brady is just 30 years old and many fighters have had poor starts to their careers only to go on and become champions or at least top contenders. This loss does not diminish the fact that Brady was one of the top-10 fighters in the game but it also shows the weaknesses that are present in his game. To get back to the title contention, a better stand-up and a good cardio during the entire fight – be it three or five rounds – will be vital for him.
Brady’s grappling is still good and as long as he is going to rely on his wrestling, he will pose a threat to many welterweight fighters. But this fight showed that when you are against the opponents with elite takedown defense and striking, Brady will have to improve his stand-up game.
Moving forward, it is hard to envisage that Brady will get back to the top spot unless he faces an opponent outside the top five. Potential opponents could be Geoff Neal, Neil Magny or even a rematch with Michael Chiesa. All these fights would allow Brady to learn and return for the next fight stronger without throwing him right back into the division.
The UFC Welterweight Division: A Dilemma of Contenders: A Bottleneck of Contenders.
The Burns vs. Brady fight is emblematic of a larger trend in the UFC welterweight division: This has left us with a bottleneck of fighters who are all gunning for a shot at the title. With the current champion Leon Edwards likely to fight Colby Covington next, the rest of the fighters in the division are left twiddling their thumbs and hoping for their shot at the title.
In the top of the division, we have the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, Belal Muhammad and the newly crowned champion Burns. Chimaev has only recently entered the middleweight division but he still poses a threat to the welterweight title picture as he could still come back to the 170-pound division if there is a good fight waiting for him. Both Belal Muhammad who is on a winning spree is close to getting a title shot and the win over Brady by Burns also keeps him relevant.
This bottleneck is a very interesting situation within the division for the simple fact that any of the top fighters could be the next in line for a shot at the title, but at the same time, none of them are assured of getting it. This has led to a bracket that is full of intriguing potential match-ups and the contenders will have to keep on earning their victories in big fights such as Burns vs. Brady.
Part 6: The Future of the UFC Welterweight Division
With the dust now having settled from Gilbert Burns’ victory over Sean Brady, the UFC welterweight division remains one of the most exciting divisions in the promotion. It is a victory for Burns and a defeat for Brady but the latter’s first career loss can only make him a better fighter in the long run.
The division’s title picture is up in the air at the moment with Edwards at the top and Covington right behind him. But the increasing number of contenders such as Burns, Belal Muhammad, and Shavkat Rakhmonov means that the path to the belt will be full of pitfalls for any champion.
For the fans of the sport, this is an interesting period to watch the welterweight division. The combination of the experienced fighters and upcoming talents is a volatile one in which no one is untouchable at the top. Thus, as Burns and Brady go on in their respective paths, the outcome of their clash will be considered as a turning point in the division’s history.
The welterweight division of the UFC is still one of the most exciting weight classes in the promotion and with the likes of Gilbert Burns at the top of the division, fight fans should prepare for some exciting bouts in the future.
