Gilbert Burns Makes Statement, Finishes Demian Maia At UFC Brasilia

There might not have been any fans in attendance to watch, but Gilbert Burns solidified himself as a contender in the welterweight division.

Burns finished former title contender Demian Maia with his striking in the first round at UFC Fight Night 170.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, no fans were allowed inside the arena in Brasilia, Brazil. However, that did not stop Burns from celebrating.

After he survived one ground roll with Maia, Burns planted him with a shot. He threw his hands in the air and let out a scream, but the referee didn’t step in.

“I follow (Maia) his whole career and have a tremendous amount of respect for him, he is a future hall of famer,” Burns said. “We talked about training together before the fight was scheduled. I am very emotional right now.”

That’s when Burns – himself a capable submission fighter – went to work. He unloaded with several shots, this time prompting the stoppage.

“Henri Hooft right there,” Burns said. “He said he would throw the left and to counter. He didn’t even see it. I kind of stopped because I have so much respect for him.”

In the post-fight interview, Burns let out his next opponent, calling out Colby Covington.

“I got next,” he screamed. “Colby Covington.” The rest of the speech was filled with expletives and caught by ESPN.