Aleksei Kunchenko

Gilbert Burns vs. Alexey Kunchenko

Round 1
Wrapping up the preliminary card is a welterweight matchup between multiple-time World Jiu-Jitsu Championship gold medalist Burns (15-3, 8-3 UFC) and the unblemished Russian Kunchenko (20-0, 2-0 UFC). Overseeing this preliminary headliner is the "no nonsense" referee Keith Peterson. The fight begins with a leg kick from Kunchenko, and Burns fires one back that sends Kunchenko straight down. Kunchenko pops up and they trade leg kicks again. Kunchenko falls short with a spinning kick, and then Burns replies with a strong low kick and a very loud body kick. Kunchenko scores a few more leg kicks, and Burns nods at his Russian foe. Burns then throws a few more low kicks back at Kunchenko, and then rushes in for a takedown that lands. Kunchenko scoots his back against the fence while Burns tries to pull Kunchenko back down. Burns postures up with an elbow, but is applying a lot of heavy pressure on Kunchenko. Burns tries to advance his position but Kunchenko defends well, although he is unable to do anything of his own. Burns leans back and throw some strong punches, but Kunchenko pushes Burns off and gets back up to a knee. The first round ends with Burns leaning Kunchenko against the fence.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Burns

Round 2
Burns opens up with a few more leg kicks, and we can see some visible damage on the calf of Kunchenko's lead leg. Kunchenko throws a looping right hand that Burns dodges and tries for a takedown, but Kunchenko tosses Burns aside. Kunchenko digs a few punches to the body, and Burns falls short on the counter. Burns times the counter with a right front kick that catches Kunchenko, but Kunchenko stays composed and presses the action. Burns misses with a few punches, while Kunchenko slaps another leg kick. Kunchenko throws a body kick that misses and he follows up with a combination, and Burns fires back some counters. Kunchenko lands another stiff body kick, but Burns responds with a leg kick that appears to compromise Kunchenko's lead leg. Burns takes advantage by blasting a quick takedown, and falls into Kunchenko's guard. From there, Burns takes half guard and tries to drop down some elbows. As Kunchenko looks to stand up, Burns pulls for a guillotine while on top. Kunchenko escapes the position but Burns remains on top. Burns stands up and scores some strikes, but while getting a little wild Kunchenko gets to his feet as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Burns

Round 3
Burns kicks off the final round with a couple body kicks. Kunchenko replies with a body kick, and Burns fires back a few punches that are blocked. Kunchenko lets fly a punch-leg kick combination, and Burns tries to snatch another takedown that does not succeed. Kunchenko starts to chop down the lead leg of Burns again, and like the opening round Burns nods after the leg kicks start to amount. Kunchenko drops Burns with a leg kick, and Burns waves him on. Kunchenko backs away and lets Burns stand back up, but Burns' left leg might be hurt. Burns dives for a takedown and drags Kunchenko down to the cage floor, but Kunchenko gets to one knee. Burns hops over to try to grab the back of Kunchenko to no avail, and Kunchenko with his back against the fence throws several small punches and then a few elbows to try to fluster Burns. Kunchenko protests as Burns continues to press Kunchenko against the fence, concerned that Burns is grabbing his gloves and stalling the action. Peterson separates them with about 20 seconds left, and Kunchenko lands another leg kick that wobbles Burns. Kunchenko stalks down Burns, and lands a head kick and low kick, but it appears to be too little, too late. As soon as the final bell rings, Burns collapses to the floor in obvious pain. If he wins, Burns will snap Kunchenko's 20-fight win streak, one of the longest active in the sport today.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kunchenko (29-28 Burns)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kunchenko (29-28 Burns)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Kunchenko (29-28 Burns)

The Official Result
Gilbert Burns def. Alexey Kunchenko via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)