UFC Vegas 97 flashback: Sean Brady shocks jiu-jitsu world, upsets Craig Jones at Fury Pro 3 (Video)

Sean Brady will battle former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns atop the UFC Vegas 97 mixed martial arts (MMA) event this Sat. night (Sept. 7, 2024) on ESPN+ from inside the promotion’s APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, a five-round showdown that is expected to showcase a battle of jiu jitsu skill sets.

That’s why we’re flashing back to Fury Pro 3, which took place in December of 2021 at the famed 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brady shocked the grappling community with his decision victory over Aussie mat wizard Craig Jones in the co-main event, a bout that had Jones closing as the -700 favorite.

“It wasn’t the craziest match, but I’m the MMA guy, I was supposed to lose to Craig in a minute,” Brady told The Schmo. “I did what I planned on doing, controlling it, trying to get a submission. I tried to go for a couple of guillotines, it didn’t work out, but I got the win by control and I’m feeling good. I just beat Craig Jones and that’s gonna be on my record.”

Burns also faced Jones as part of the Submission Underground 10 card in late 2019, losing by way of heel hook. It should be noted that leg locks were banned in the Fury Pro 3 ruleset, taking away the Aussie’s biggest weapon against Brady. Burns will enter this weekend’s UFC Vegas 97 main event as the +160 underdog.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 97 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ preliminary card matchups which are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 97 news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive here. For the updated and finalized “Burns vs. Brady” fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.