Khamzat Chimaev remained unbeaten as he outpointed Gilbert Burns in a thrilling fight at UFC 273
Chimaev landed a few front kicks and then wasted no time in closing the distance as the fight got underway. Burns defended well on the ground and landed some good leg kicks after getting back to his feet. 'Borz' dropped Burns with a jab and then taunted him as the first round came to an end.
Burns attempted a takedown at the start of the second round but Chimaev easily sprawled out. A right hand counter from Burns got the attention of Chimaev and the Brazilian put him down with a left hand. They continued to trade heavy shots on the feet as Chimaev was put down again.
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After two close rounds, it was all up for grabs in the third. Burns was slowing down as Chimaev continued to push the pace, landing his jab with ease. Burns was not giving up and landed some heavy overhand rights that hurt Chimaev, but the Chechen walked him down and landed shots until the final bell.
All three judges saw it 29-28 in favour of Chimaev as he won the first decision of his professional career. Chimaev, who was awarded his Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt after the win, praised Burns for being a relentlessly tough opponent.
"I didn't know he was so tough but he came with Brazilian heart," Chimaev said. "They are tough guys in Brazil always. Thank you for this fight, Gilbert. I love you brother, all respect. Ten fights, ten finishes. Decision didn't happen, now I'm bloody, tired and feel pain, I love this s***".
Chimaev was coming into his fight with Burns on the back of four straight wins in the UFC. The Chechen set promotional records for the fastest wins and quickest three-fight winning streak in modern history when he debuted in 2020.
Burns had a nine month layoff before competing at UFC 273. 'Durinho' outpointed Stephen Thompson last July having fallen short against welterweight champion Kamaru Usman earlier that year.
