Belal Muhammad beat Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision in the UFC 288 co-main event. Burns and Belal agreed to face each other on short notice over the promise of a title fight. Moreover, the welterweights agreed to a five-round co-main event.

Burns was coming fresh off a win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287 in April. He had also beaten Neil Magny at UFC 283 in January. The Brazilian has been having a stellar run since his split decision loss against Khamzat Chimaev in 2022. He called for a title shot after the win against ‘Gamebred.’

34-year-old Belal came into UFC 288 on an 8-fight win streak. He won his last outing via TKO against Sean Brady at UFC 280. ‘Remember The Name’ had a chip on his shoulder after not being a priority for a title shot, despite his impressive run of form.

Both fighters cashed in on the opportunity to get a title shot by taking this short-notice co-main event.

Fans react to Burns vs. Muhammad at UFC 288

The UFC 288 co-main was a slugfest as advertised. Burns and Muhammad went after each other from the first bell. Belal opened strong in the initial rounds, with his kicks finding their target time after time. ‘Durinho’ responded with some counters of his own, but ‘Bully B’ established and maintained his dominance.

However, things turned a bit stale after a seemingly injured Burns could not put his foot down on the gas for the remaining rounds. Belal capitalized on the opportunity and earned himself a unanimous decision after five rounds.

“Khamzat Chimaev? This does not look like the same guy,” said Joe Rogan after seeing the timid approach from Burns during the fight.

The fight became lackluster in the later rounds and that did not sit well with a lot of fans and pros. They took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

That was a very poor bout. Piss poor.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 7, 2023

Gilbert Burns really said “is it round 2?” 😳😳 #UFC288

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 7, 2023

only belal muhammad can win every round and have his stock go down#UFC288

— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 7, 2023

I love Gilbert but how the fuck are people gonna boo Belal cuz he had an unwilling participant after the second round? Dude literally has the worst luck in the UFC. Swear if he rushed Gilbert and finished him people would then say that’s fucked up and is a fluke. #UFC288

— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) May 7, 2023

Need to know the whole story but if Burns went into a fight of this magnitude with an injury … after he's already fought twice in 2023 ……….. why?

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 7, 2023

Belal before the fight: "What are they gonna say if I beat Burns?"

Uhhhh he has a fucked left arm 😭

— 𝙒𝙊𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 🇦🇺 (@WonderbreadMMA) May 7, 2023

This was the fight made to save the card.

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 7, 2023

What did you think of that co-main event? What do you make of Burns’ performance?

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Let us know in the comments below.