LAS VEGAS – Gilbert Burns dominated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley to win a unanimous decision on Saturday night in returning a mixed martial arts promotion to Las Vegas.
Brazilian heavyweight Augusto Sakai used an unpunished game to increase victory over Blagoy Ivanov’s double decision from Bulgaria in the final battle of the first UFC show in his hometown since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The event was held without fans at UFC Apex, a fitness center with broadcast facilities on the company’s promotional campus. UFC uses minimal personnel to hold battles, and the promotion says everyone involved is subject to strict health and safety protocols.
33-year-old Burns (19-3) dominates with his feet and on the ground, completing his first major event battle with the biggest possible win of his career and sixth consecutive victory since July 2018. The Florida-based Brazilian player out loud beat one one of the most successful welterweight classes in UFC history and made his case for shooting champion Kamaru Usman in the crowded 170-pound division.
All judges give all rounds to Burns, with a score of 50-45, 50-44 and 50-44.
Burns came out with great energy against Woodley, dropping the former champion in the opening seconds and getting a full ride. A gaping cut was opened in Woodley’s left eyebrow in the opening minutes, and Burns again overcame the famously strong Wooded defense to bring down Woodley again in the second half.
Woodley (19-5-1) has not fought since losing his title in a one-sided blow from Usman in March 2019. Woodley has ruled the division for nearly three years, and a 38-year-old University of Missouri graduate. said he was dealing with depression while debating whether to remain at MMA or to pursue a music career.
Burns victory ended an entertaining performance at Apex, where the octagon was only 25 feet in diameter, compared to 30 feet in the most competitive cage. The compact dimensions usually lead to more aggressive battles, and this card shows six resolutions in 11 battles.
Gilbert Burns celebrates his victory over Tyron Woodley on Saturday.Getty Images
Burns fought in the fanless arena for the second time in 2 1/2 months. He stopped veteran Demian Maia in Brasilia on March 14 at the UFC final event before stopping the competition.
After an eight-week break, the UFC returned to competition earlier this month with three eight-day shows in Jacksonville, Florida. With the ambition to hold cards almost weekly throughout the summer as part of its broad broadcast agreement with ESPN, the promotion moved its operations to its own facilities after the Nevada Athletics Commission agreed three days ago to allow the return of combat sports.
Although this card is quite light on the power of the stars, promotion will hold the UFC 250 next Saturday night from the same gym. Second division winner, Amanda Nunes featherweight defense against Canadian Felicia Spencer hit pay-per-view headlines.
UFC President Dana White continues to promise additional performances this summer from the so-called “Fight Island,” an undisclosed private island where promotions intend to host battles between fighters who cannot enter the U.S. due to health restrictions.
Sakai (15-1-1) remained unbeaten at the UFC with his fourth successive win when the two judges sided with him 29-28 after a fierce fight with Ivanov (18-4), who won 30-27 on the third judge card.
Sakai escaped punishment from referee Jason Herzog in the third round when he blatantly grabbed the wall of the cage chain while trying to avoid Ivanov’s takedown.
Grabbing a cage is illegal and is punished with point deductions, but Herzog only warned Sakai verbally. The decision was greeted with distrust heard by Daniel Cormier, a former UFC heavyweight champion who worked in the lonely arena as a color commentator.
Heavyweight competitor Mackenzie Dern opened the main card by finishing Hannah Cifers with a knee bar which was the first leg-locking victory victory by a woman in UFC history. Dern (8-1) won his first victory since giving birth to his daughter last year.
