The UFC 288, which was headlined by Aljaman Sterling successfully defending his bantamweight title against Henry Cejudo on Saturday, randomly dissed NBA star Russell Westbrook during the co-main welterweight fight between Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad.
Belal Muhammad defeated Gilbert Burns by a split decision in the co-main event of UFC 288, however, fans spotted something unusual on the screen presentation during the fighters' ring walk.
Former MMA fighter and current UFC commentator, Daniel Cormier revealed his keys to victory for Gilbert Burns in his co-main welterweight clash against Belal Muhammad, which was being shown on the screen. The list stated, "D C’s Keys To Victory for Burns - Close The Distance, Secure Takedowns, and Don’t Be Russell Westbrook."
Cormier's appeared to associate Russell Westbrook's failure to win an NBA championship with Burns' efforts to become a UFC champion. Westbrook reached the NBA Finals once in his career during the 2011-12 season while playing with the Thunder, but Oklahoma City was defeated by LeBron James and Dwayne Wade's Heat in five games.
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Earlier in February, Westbrook was traded to the Jazz by Los Angeles Lakers to acquire D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Later on February 22, Los Angeles Clippers signed the 34-year-old guard following his buyout negotiations on his $47 million contract with the Utah Jazz.
On the other hand, Gilbert Burns entered the octagon to fight Belal as the winner gets a title shot in their next match, UFC president Dana White guaranteed earlier. However, the 36-year-old Brazilian was defeated by a decision in the fifth round.