In the co-main event of UFC 288, Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns clashed in 5 rounds for a ticket to the next title shot. The Palestinian won the decision.
Round 1: After several minutes of observation, Belal Muhammad picks ‘Durinho’ in counter and imbalance. The Brazilian is hit several times against an opponent who takes no risks.
Round 2: The Palestinian sends a big middle kick from the start. For his part, Gilbert Burns tries big hooks, without chaining behind. Neither athlete works in combination: each just sends punches and comes out. Hostilities mainly take place standing up, with no real change in level.
Round 3: Muhammad continues to control the center of the cage, and imposes a false rhythm on the Brazilian. Burns tries a big start but his opponent does not flinch … ‘Remember the Name’ manages to put away systematically, and is more active than Gilbert Burns.
Round 4: More enterprising, Belal Muhammad tries to frame ‘Durinho’ against the cage. The Brazilian tries to send some hard shots and change levels, but without success. The Palestinian sends good middle kicks and takes the advantage in a fairly calm fight.
Round 5: Belal Muhammad really bothers the Brazilian by imposing a tricky rhythm. For his part, Gilbert Burns seems dominated in striking and without a solution. ‘Remember the Name’ is completely unendangered.
Victory of Belal Muhammad over Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).
With this success, ‘Remember the Name’ therefore seems to be heading for a title fight for its next release. He will have to patiently wait for the clash between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington before challenging the winner.
