Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns compete in a title eliminator in the co-main event of UFC 288. Dana White had announced that the UFC 288 co-main event winner between Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad would be next in line for a welterweight title shot. UFC 288 takes place at the Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. Gilbert Burns is the slight favorite with the bookmakers.
MMA: UFC Welterweight
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Where to watch: PPV
Date: 7.5.2023, 06:30
Belal Muhammad
American Welterweight Belal Muhammad debuted in the UFC in 2016 after winning the Titan FC Welterweight championship. He lost his debut to Alan Jourban via unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors for their performances. He has since risen through the ranks to become the number four-ranked Welterweight in the division. His resilience and determination in the Octagon are evident in his sixteen decisions from twenty-two victories. “Remember the Name” has not lost in nine fights since 2019. The Chicago native with Palestinian heritage threw the ceremonial first pitch for the Chicago Cubs on July 28, 202. In his last bout in October, he stopped Sean Brady in Abu Dhabi in a performance of the night.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 72”
- Record: 22-3, 1NC
Gilbert Burns
Gilbert Burns, 36, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and submission grappler; with an impressive grappling background, Burns has achieved notable success as a three-time World Champion and World Cup gold medalist. He debuted in the UFC in 2014 and has recorded victories against notable fighters like compatriot Alex Oliveira and Neil Magny. The Brazilian grappler has contested for the UFC Welterweight crown, losing to former champion Kamaru Usman in 2021. Since that loss, he has achieved a 3-1 record in the promotion, with his sole setback coming against Khamzat Chimaev in April 2022. Burns will be making a quick turnaround, having defeated Jorge Masvidal via decision one month ago on April 8, 2022, at UFC 287.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 36
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 71”
- Record: 22-5
Betting Odds
Belal Muhammad to win is available at 2.00 odds on Bet365. Fight to go the distance, Yes is priced at 1.82 odds on 1XBET. The winner to be declared by unanimous decision goes for 2.6 odds on Coinplay. Other odds include a win for Gilbert Burns at 1.80 odds on Bet365.