UFC On ESPN 9 Preview: Gilbert Burns’ Historical UFC Closing Odds

Gilbert Burns started his UFC career as a welterweight in 2014. He lasted one bout at 170 pounds before he dropped to the lightweight division. The Brazilian went 7-3 at 155 pounds before he moved back to welterweight during the summer of 2019. Since his return to the 170-pound weight class, Burns has put together a 3-0 run. He faces former UFC welterweight titleholder Tyron Woodley in the main event of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight card.

Burns has quickly climbed the welterweight rankings. He is currently ranked No. 6 in the division. His last win came in March when he earned a first-round TKO over former welterweight title challenger Demian Maia. That victory earned Burns his first UFC post-fight bonus as a welterweight. Woodley is the No. 1 ranked contender at 170 pounds.

Burns is looking forward to the opportunity to face Woodley on Saturday.

“I believe I’m a bad matchup for Tyron Woodley,” Burns told MMA Fighting. “I think I have power in my hands, same as he does. I believe I can stand up. I can defend his takedowns, and even if he does take me down, it’s not going to be easy. But if he does take me down, he’s in my world. A lot of you haven’t seen much but you saw some with Demian (Maia), the guy that puts everybody on the floor and takes the back or puts everybody on the floor and takes control, he did that on me and I was just out quick. I have my jiu-jitsu, and I’m very comfortable with my jiu-jitsu.”

“I believe I’m a bad matchup. That’s why since the beginning, he didn’t want this fight. I’m ready for the best Tyron, but I truly believe in every single weapon I have, and I believe I’m going to have a great performance.”

UFC on ESPN 9 takes place on Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. ESPN will broadcast the entire event. ESPN+ will also stream the fight card.