Pros react after Belal Muhammad defeats Gilbert Burns at UFC 288: “That was a very poor bout”

Tonight’s UFC 288 was co-headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight fight featuring Gilbert Burns taking on Belal Muhammad.

Burns (22-6 MMA) was making a quick turnaround this evening in Newark, having recently scoring a decision win over Jorge Masvidal at last month’s UFC 287 event. Prior to that defeating ‘Gamebred’, ‘Durinho’ was coming off a slick submission win over Neil Magny.

Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad (23-3 MMA) had entered the contest sporting an eight-fight unbeaten streak, his latest being a TKO victory over Sean Brady in October of last year (see that here). ‘Remember The Name’ had last tasted defeat way back in January of 2019, when he dropped a decision to Geoff Neal.

Tonight’s UFC 288 co-headliner resulted in a coming out party for Belal Muhammad. ‘Remember The Name’ was able to get the better of Gilbert Burns for all five rounds of the UFC 288 co-main event. Belal battered the ribs and right arm of ‘Durinho’ with kicks and seemingly cruised to a decision win.

Official UFC 288 Result: Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Burns vs. Muhammad’ below:

Big fight feels for this one #UFC288

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) May 7, 2023

We just saw Burns beat Masvidal and now we get another fight from him. Respect #UFC288

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) May 7, 2023

He beats Belal too

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) May 7, 2023

Watch Belal start southpaw and shake step over to ortho, he’s looking for that left head kick. Slick footwork. #UFC288

— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) May 7, 2023

10-9 Belal #UFC288

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 7, 2023

Burns shouldn’t get frustrated with the one failed takedown, he needs to keep looking for that fit in. #UFC288

— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) May 7, 2023

Could be 1-1, could be 2-0 Belal. #UFC288

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 7, 2023

I wonder if these kicks from Belal are showing affects on Burns arms. #UFC288

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 7, 2023

Post-fight reactions to Belal Muhammad defeating Gilbert Burns at UFC 288:

That was a very poor bout. Piss poor.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 7, 2023

So Belal vs Colby or Belal vs Leon?! Which is the better fight to make #UFC288

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) May 7, 2023

Man Belal always comes with the game plan. Left kick this time. Circled into the shot against Luque. Stayed in a real low stance and 1-2’d Brady. He has a plan and he sticks to it, so smart#UFC288

— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) May 7, 2023

Belal going heal to build for the title fight! 😂 #UFC288

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 7, 2023

Who would you like to see Belal Muhammad fight next following his victory over Gilbert Burns this evening in Newark? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

Get all of tonight’s pay-per-view event results here.