UFC On ESPN 9: Woodley Vs. Burns Live Coverage, Results

Blagoy Ivanov Vs. Augusto Sakai

The big boys of the heavyweight division occupy the co-main event with Blagoy Ivanov meeting Augusto Sakai. Ivanov, a former World Series of Fighting champion, is 2-2 over his four-fight UFC career. Sakai enters having won five in a row including a victory over Andrei Arlovski last year.

Both men are taking their time, knowing each has the power to end this fight with one punch. Pretty event and balanced round with both men landing about half their strikes in all. Could go either way on the scorecards if we get to that point.

Round two has been all about the leg kicks. These two are standing and trading, and Sakai is getting the better of the exchanges so far. Huge right gets through from Ivanov as we head under a minute to go. First takedown scored by Ivanov which could steal him the round.

Ivanov with a takedown but Sakai quickly gets back up. It appeared as if he used the fence to stand, as Daniel Cormier noted during the broadcast. It will be interesting to see if that holds anything over the final outcome of this one. 

Augusto Sakai def. Blagoy Ivanov via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Tyron Woodley Vs. Gilbert Burns

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley looks to remain a top contender while fending off one himself when he faces Gilbert Burns in the main event.

Woodley, who won the title back in 2016 with a first round knockout of Robbie Lawler, made four successful defenses before falling to Kamaru Usman last March. Burns positioned himself for this fight with a finish of Demian Maia, who went 25 minutes vs. Woodley in 2017.

It’s been a while since Woodley last fought so will be interesting to see how he comes out. So far, very well prepared as expected. They clinch and Burns drops him before pouncing and landing a flurry. Herb Dean doing a great job of checking on Woodley and allowing this one to continue. 

Woodley has a cut on his forehead from the onslaught by Burns who continues to pressure him on the canvas. With just under two minutes to go, Woodley gets out and up. Definitely the round to Burns, but this is a five-rounder, and Woodley has been through several of them. 

As expected, Woodley is being very patient with Burns. However, Burns uses his power and drives him to the canvas. Not many people have been able to overpower Woodley like this during his career. Another good round for Burns. 

Best round to date for Woodley has been the third, as he’s been able to get his striking going a bit more. Still seems hesitant to attempt a takedown after being driven to the canvas by Burns. After the bell sounded, Burns appeared to almost be stalking Woodley as he went to his corner. 

This marks the first time in 22 career fights Burns has competed in the fourth round of a bout. He’s gone to the scorecards just six times in all. Woodley has the advantage in terms of experience, but can he solve him at this point? Burns controlling the center and finds a home with his right. Woodley sprawls to survive the attack. 

Burns is in the driver’s seat entering the fifth, having completely controlled the former champion through four rounds. Woodley will need a finish to escape with the win at this point. Burns has definitely solidified himself as a future contender to the belt, which is currently held by his teammate, Usman. 

Gilbert Burns def. Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44)