UFC 273 LIVE results: Volkanovski vs Korean Zombie latest updates
Re-live updates from a stacked card, where two title fights followed Khamzat Chimaev vs Gilbert Burns
Rising star Khamzat Chimaev stayed unbeaten with a split-decision win against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 on Saturday.
Chimaev (11-0) had won his previous 10 fights via finish, absorbing just one significant strike across four UFC bouts prior to his welterweight meeting with former title challenger Burns in Jacksonville, Florida. And, while the Russian-born Swede lived up to the hype in beating the No 2-ranked 170lbs fighter in the UFC, he did not run through Burns (20-5) as some had predicted. Both men dropped one another and took each other down in a wildly entertaining fight that had the fans captivated from start to finish, with Chimaev, 28, eventually edging past the Brazilian via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
After that highly-anticipated bout, the co-main event saw Aljamain Sterling unify the men’s bantamweight belts against Petr Yan. Jamaican-American Sterling won the title from Yan last year when the Russian was disqualified for landing an illegal knee in a fight that he looked on course to win. Yan (16-3) went on to win the interim belt late last year while Sterling (21-3) recovered from neck surgery, and their rematch at UFC 273 was fuelled by bad blood.
Many fans expected Yan to ease past Sterling, but a highly-competitive fight saw Sterling dominate his rival on the canvas in the second and third rounds, before the Russian came on strong in the final two frames – as he so often does. It all came down to a close first round, and Sterling got the nod 48-47, 47-48, 48-47. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski put on a clinic to retain the men’s featherweight title, stopping the “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung in the fourth round as referee Herb Dean stepped in with the challenger out on his feet.
Australian Volkanovski (24-1) had dropped Sung Jung (17-7) numerous times throughout the contest, proving too fast and slick for the 35-year-old veteran. Re-live updates from the UFC 273 main card and prelims, below.
UFC 273 LIVE
Chimaev: “F***ing tough fight, bro, I didn’t know he was so tough.
“I’m tired, I feel a lot of pain, I love this s***.”
UFC 273 LIVE
Khamzat Chimaev def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 3
Chimaev’s nose is bloodied, but Burns’ face is leaking.
What a fight. What a freakin’ fight.
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 3
It’s surely 19-19.
Good jabs from both men. Chimaev lands a lead uppercut on the angle.
The Swede lands a right straight then defends a takedown from Burns, but the Brazilian briefly has Chimaev against the fence.
Chimaev’s punches are tidier here and he’s starting to tee off.
He lands a knee, too. He’s switching it up, targeting the head and body.
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 2
Chimaev looks tired, a first during his UFC run.
Burns lands a left hook and right straight. Chimaev comes back with a hard punch, then sprawls as Burns tries for a takedown.
Burns with hammer fists from guard, then the pair stand. The crowd loves this.
Tidy jab from Burns as Chimaev throws sloppy, winging punches. Lead left hook lands for Burns.
Burns drops Chimaev again late in the round! The Swede responds with a takedown! WHAT A ROUND!
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 2
Chimaev switching stances, as he did to drop Burns in Round 1.
Bice counter right from Burns. Chimaev misses with a clubbing right hook.
Burns jabs to the body. He tries for a single-leg takedown but to no avail.
Burns drops Chimaev with a hook behind the ear, then pours on punches!!!!
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 1
Both men land good punches. Chimaev connects with a left hook as Burns has his back against the fence. The Brazilian moves into space.
It’s hard to tell whether Chimaev slipped just now or was staggered by a punch!
Burns blocks a body kick but is dropped by a hard right jab!!
Chimaev pours on hammer fists but eventually allows Burns to stand!
Burns is cut around the top of his head.
UFC 273 LIVE
Burns vs Chimaev – Round 1
Chimaev flicks out a front kick up top. He immediately then shoots for a takedown against the fence.
Burns defends it and the men trade knees to the body.
Chimaev wraps up Burns’ legs and is able to drag the Brazilian to the floor.
Burns stands and tries to roll through another takedown attempt. He pulls guard, but Chimaev stands up, not wishing to engage.
He kicks Burns’ legs, before allowing the veteran to stand.
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