Knockout! Watch Gilbert Burns’ big first round TKO of Demian Maia at UFC Brasilia

UFC Brasilia was the setting where the company’s #12 ranked welterweight, Gilbert Burns, stopped the #5 ranked, Demian Maia, with strikes in the first-round. Maia got off to a strong start, backing up Burns and finding a way to get the fight to the floor. He even took the back at one point, but that’s when Burns found his moment to return to his feet. In open space, Burns blasted a lethal left hook that caused Maia to hit the deck. Burns started to celebrate like it was over, but when the referee didn’t stop the match, he pursued Maia with a ground attack to achieve the TKO finish. The future looks bright for Burns, who has now won five fights in a row.

Check out Tim Burke’s play-by-play of Gilbert Burns taking out Demian Maia:

Round 1 – Lots of feinting to start. Low kick from Burns. Body kick. Single leg from Maia and they’re in an odd position on the ground. Burns looks for a heel hook. They’re back up, but Maia is still riding him against the fence. He drags Burns down and takes his back. He’s working methodically. Maia rolls over to mount, but Burns spins back to his feet. Burns with a left hook that floors Maia! He thinks it’s over but it isn’t, so he jumps on Maia and lands a ton of hammerfists. The ref stops it.

Gilbert Burns defeated Demian Maia via TKO (strikes), round 1