UFC Copenhagen: Gilbert Burns Outscores Gunnar Nelson

Gilbert Burns agreed to face welterweight contender Gunnar Nelson on two week’s notice, and the decision for the former lightweight paid off.

Round one

Nelson attempted to clinch up after firing a kick, but Burns countered with a hard right that just missed. Nelson scored with a kick to the calf and Burns returned with the same technique. The latter planted another calf kick moments later, and Burns scored with another one not long after. Nelson blitzed and appeared to land a nice left and then he came with a sidekick. In the final minute, Burns cliched up and pushed Nelson to the fence, but the latter countered beautifully with a sweep. The round ended with Nelson on top.

Round two

Burns pressured in round two and Nelson looked to counter with the odd blitz. About a minute in, Nelson landed a hard kick to the calf and then clinched up off a flurry. Burns worked his way out and scored with another calf kick, but Nelson clinched up again. Nelson gave up the clinch and then Burns charged in, and scored with a beautiful throw. In the ensuing scramble, Burns came with a flying knee that landed and then rolled into a choke. Nelson defended, but Burns finished the round on top.

Round three

Nelson clinched up once again not long into round three, but Burns scored with a hard overhand right. Nelson started hunting for a takedown but Burns defended. Nelson dug hard to the body with a left hook and moments later, he planted a right. Burns returned fire with a calf kick. Nelson clinched up again in the final minute but it was Burns who landed the takedown. The final horn sounded as the welterweights clinched along the fence.

Not surprisingly, Burns was awarded the decision win.

Here are the complete results so far for UFC Copenhagen.

Gilbert Burns def. Gunnar Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28. 29-28, 29-28)

Ion Cutelaba def.  Khalil Rountree via TKO (elbows & punches) R1, 2:35

Ovince Saint Preux def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via submission (Von Flue Choke) R3,  2:14

Nicolas Dalby def. Alex Oliveira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

John Phillips def. Alen Amedovski via knockout (punches) R1, 0:14

Makhmud Muradov def. Alessio Di Chirico via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ismail Naurdiev def. Siyar Bahadurzada via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)

Giga Chikadze def. Brandon Davis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Lina Lansberg def. Macy Chiasson via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)

Marc Diakiese def. Lando Vannata via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Jack Shore def. Nohelin Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) R3, 2:51