Tonight’s action comes from the next main card bout at UFC 268, a high-octane featherweight matchup between Shane Burgos and Billy Quarantillo.
14th ranked Shane Burgos (13-3) comes into this fight after a bruising affair with Edson Barboza ended in a bizarre, delayed reaction KO defeat.
In the opposite corner, Billy Quarantillo (16-3) is looking to add to his TKO victory over Gabriel Benitez in July and break into the UFC Top 15 rankings.
I expect a barn burner here with two high volume strikers looking to entertain the sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York.
This one will definitely compete for the Fight of the Night bonus against Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler.
RING WALKS
Both men looking in great shape as they walk to the octagon. Burgos seems to have the larger stature and it is always a shock to see him fighting in this weight class with his build.
ROUND ONE
Quarantillo opens with a sequence of low kicks. Burgos returns but Quarantillo answers with clinch strikes.
Even matchup so far with Quarantillo throwing volume in his strikes. Burgos takes a body lock and forces Quarantillo up against the fence. Short clinch strikes for Burgos but we enter the centre of the octagon yet again.
Quarantillo consistently searching for the rear uppercut. Half way through the round and Burgos’ nose is bloodied as he takes the barrage of technical strikes from Quarantillo. Burgos continues to eat strikes and return counters walking through in his zombie-like fashion.
Quarantillo shoots for a takedown to no avail. Powerful right from Burgos momentarily drops Quarantillo!
Good defence afterwards from Quarantillo to avoid any follow up, and as the round comes to an end, Burgos sticks his tongue out with a big smile on his face. A very evenly matched round, Quarantillo definitely outstriking Burgos but Burgos has the power punches.
ROUND TWO
Burgos continues with his constant forward pressure and so far with much more success. Quarantillo bursts forward with a barrage of combinations only to be met by a subtle trip from Burgos.
Up against the fence again with Quarantillo with his back to the cage. Quarantillo’s Muay Thai looks great in the clinch but Burgos is relentless here with nonstop pressure. Burgos is finding the mark more in this round, swift 1-2s completed with low kicks.
Both men taking turns in leading the dance here. Close quarters stuff and Burgos throws an onslaught of combinations. Quarantillo is on wobbly legs and backs up to the fence and Burgos will not stop. Lead uppercut to right cross, left hook to right hook. Not the most beautiful strikes but Burgos had Quarantillo hurt at the end of Round Two.
ROUND THREE
The final round opens with an eye poke from Burgos. The fight resumes but Quarantillo’s lead leg looks in a bad way over taking so much damage over the course of the night. Quarantillo is struggling through this round so far with Burgos dominating early.
Against the fence once more with Burgos landing short strikes. Quarantillo won’t give up in the striking exchanges, answering wherever he can but he’s badly hindered with the damage to his legs.
One minute left and Quarantillo salvages a takedown and is winning the grappling battle. Huge knees in the clinch as we find our way back to the centre, Quarantillo has a lion heart at this very moment. Back and forth affair in this third and final round but as the horn goes, the fight turned into Burgos domination in the stand-up.
I believe Shane Burgos will get his hand raised here.
OFFICIAL DECISION
‘Hurricane’ Shane Burgos defeats Billy Quarantillo via UD (3 x 29-28)
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