UFC 264 Results: Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson play-by-play, live blog, video highlights

The Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson co-main event bout is up next on the UFC 264 PPV main card.

Fight fans can watch every fight live (and replays) right now by purchasing here on the ESPN website.

We’ll also be providing play-by-play updates and live blog for every UFC 264 main card fight as it happens, including Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson right now.

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Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson play-by-play, live blog

Tai Tuivasa just knocked out Greg Hardy in the first round. That means Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson is coming up next!

Round one

Gilbert Burns stays low and looks like he wants to stick right in the middle of the cage. Tight circling from both fighters and it’s an apparent footwork battle for the center. Thompson’s feet are set and he’s ready to strike. Burns blitzes and swings an overhand. Burns shoots in for a single-leg that starts all the way down near the foot. He works his way up and he’s now got “Wonderboy” against the cage. He’s going for a double-leg now and Thompson’s base is solid — looks like he’s not going anywhere. Burns is still committed to the takedown. Thompson’s wide stance is perfect for balance and it’s making it hard for Burns to move him. Halfway through the round now and we’re without any truly significant strikes landing for each fighter.

But Burns gets the takedown. He’s on top now and he’s in half guard. He’s worked his way up Thompson’s body and is now targeting the arms. Excellent grappling, as expected, from Burns who is comfortable on top. Thompson scrambling and trying to rest against the cage to get back to his feet. But Burns is staying heavy. One minute left. Thompson gets his hips out and he’s coming back to his feet. Burns landing hard shots now and makes Wonderboy stand up. First big strikes of the fight and means Burns is obviously far ahead on the “impact” scoring category now. Jon Anik says that Wonderboy had landed just one strike in the first 4:50 of the round but the final moments of the round finish with a flurry and Burns slips while rushing at Thompson.

The Body Lock scores round one for Gilbert Burns (10-9)

Round two

Thompson leads with a leg kick. He’s planting his feet again and waiting for the right chance to strike but this style of fighting might not be suitable against Burns if he’s clearly hunting for takedowns instead of providing counter-striking opportunities. Thompson leading with the jab now. He’s light on his feet, on the toes, bouncing and waiting for Burns to make a mistake. But Burns isn’t committing to anything and seems content with sitting back out of range for now. An impressive side kick from Thompson connects. He’s winning this round so far as Burns is having difficulty closing the distance. Burns attempts to stomp the knee but Thompson slips back. Patient fight from Thompson and Burns is being sucked into a slower-than-ordinary fight because of the dangers that exist when fighting Thompson. Another kick from Thompson. Burns lands a punch of his own. A very competitive fight so far. Thompson sneaking forward now. Low kick lands for him. A 1-2 combo and then Burns comes back with a low kick. Right hand from Thompson and Burns dips for a single-leg but can’t secure it. Wonderboy’s round so far. One minute left. Burns isn’t doing enough. Thompson isn’t doing a whole lot but he’s landing more because he’s controlling the flow of the fight. Burns right hand connects, that’s the second decent punch from him this round. He lands a takedown and then some punches. Tough round to score now as bot fighters continue punching each other on the ground to finish round two. Burns might have done enough to edge that one.

The Body Lock scores round two for Gilbert Burns 10-9 (20-18)

Round three

Thompson advancing and looks to be more aggressive already this round. He needs to be as he’s down on our scorecard and we expect that some judges may have even been divided on the last one. Burns slipping and moving. Thompson trying to set up some offense, he spins and lands a spinning back kick to the head. Fantastic kick and connects hard. Burns shakes it off and puts his guard up. Thompson then follows with a combination of punches. But now Burns has turned it around and he’s advancing, he pushes Thompson back to the cage. He secures a body lock, swings, and then puts Thompson on his back.

Halfway through the round and Burns is on top in side control. Occasional punches to the head from top position. They’re adding up now and again it seems like they might turn the round in his favor after losing the fight on the feet. Burns’ takedowns have been a key to success in this one. He’s attempting to wrap up the neck of Thompson now and that forces Thompson to drop back to the mat. Burns postures up and unloads punches. They’re connecting hard but some seem to be hitting the back of the head.

The Body Lock scores round three for Gilbert Burns 10-9 (30-27)

Official Result: Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)