UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady has big fights in his sights after likely moving close to the top five with a victory over Gilbert Burns this past weekend.
Brady made it two wins on the bounce in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event. Since suffering his first career defeat at the hands of then-future champion Belal Muhammad in 2022 and subsequently missing 14 months through injury, the 31-year-old has gotten the better of Kelvin Gastelum and now “Durinho.”
The Philadelphia native and his Brazilian counterpart headlined the event on September 7, going five rounds inside the Apex in Las Vegas. Brady had his hand raised by way of a convincing unanimous decision.
Having beaten the #6 contender, Brady can expect to find himself within touching distance of the title picture come the next rankings update. And to break into it, he wouldn’t mind facing the man occupying #5…
Brady Keen For Covington Clash After UFC Fight Night Main Event Win
During Saturday’s post-fight press conference, Brady reflected on his first main event win on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.
In terms of what could come next as a result, Brady had a couple of names in mind, one of whom’s career is in limbo following a third failed bid for title glory last time out.
“I’ll fight Colby (Covington). I think Colby is the easiest matchup in the division. I’ll piece him up on the feet. I’ll rag doll him,” Covington said. “I’ll fight Colby in a heartbeat. UFC, please give me Colby, I will murder him. He shouldn’t even be ranked. When’s the last time he fought?”
Covington wasn’t the only notable name on Brady’s lips at the Apex. Both inside the Octagon and at the presser, the Philadelphia standout staked his claim for the chance to blemish the perfect record of Ian Garry.
It remains to be seen what the UFC will choose for Brady next, but there’s no doubt that the 31-year-old has got himself back on track less than two years on from his setback at the hands of Muhammad.
