LAS VEGAS – While many do everything to avoid [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag]’ grappling, [autotag]Sean Brady[/autotag] welcomes it.
Yes, you read that right.
Brady (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) takes on former UFC title challenger and jiu-jitsu world champion Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) in a key five-round welterweight bout in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 242. Ahead of the bout, Brady is letting the world know he thinks he’s superior on the ground, and he will prove that.
“Gilbert, amazing jiu-jitsu,” Brady said at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 242 media day. “Obviously he’s won (world championships) and everything like that, but that was a long time ago, and that was in the gi. Gi and no-gi is completely different, and MMA jiu-jitsu is completely different, as well.
“I think he’s got great submissions. I’m sure he’s great on bottom, but I definitely think I have better jiu-jitsu, and I’m looking to test it.”
Brady has plenty of respect for Burns, who’s arguably the most seasoned fighter he’s faced to date. He believes a win here could put him two good victories away from fighting for the UFC welterweight title, which is why he requested Burns.
“I was kind of asking for Gilbert,” Brady said. “I was asking for a lot of guys, but Gilbert was definitely one of them. I respect Gilbert. He’s an amazing fighter, and he’s done amazing things. He’s fought for the belt, and he had a competitive fight with some of the best guys. He had a great fight going with Jack until it didn’t go his way. He’s a great fighter and a competitor, and I’m just looking forward to testing myself against him. I think it’s my first true veteran fight that I’m going to get to test myself against somebody who’s been there, done that.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 242.