This fight was scheduled in the featherweight division but is being contested at catchweight as Herbert “The Blaze” Burns missed the non-title fight weight limit of 146 pounds by tipping the scale at 149.5 pounds.  

Burns is on a five fight win streak, all via finish. he most recently submitted Evan Dunham by rear-naked choke at UFC 250 in June. Prior to that fight, he won via first round knockout (knee) against Nate Landwehr at UFC Fight Night 166 in January. 

Daniel “The Pit” Pineda is back in the UFC for a second stint after he was cut by the promotion in 2014 after compiling a 3-4 record. One impressive stat for Pineda is the fact that all 26 of his MMA wins have come via finish (8 KOs and 18 submissions). The 35 year-old veteran enters the fight with a 26-13 (2 NC) record.

Round 1

Pineda lands a huge overhand right early. Nice elbow lands for Pineda with Burns on his back. Pineda with a takedown and goes to work in Burns’ open guard. Pineda stands up and then lands a hard right hand as he re-entry Burns’ guard. Pineda does nice work from top position landing punches from upright posture. Pineda landing big shots. Nice upkick lands for Burns. But Pineda continues to land strikes from top position. Pineda landed over 30 strikes from top position. Big round for Pineda.

Seattle Fights round score – 10-8 Pineda

Round 2

Several low kicks and a big right hand lead into a nice takedown for Burns. Pineda quickly back to his feet but Burns drags him back down. Burns working for mount position along the cage. Burns transitions to Pineda’s back but Pineda turns into Burns’ guard. Pineda passes guard into crucifix position. Big elbow lands for Pineda. Two more big elbows for Pineda. Burns is struggling in crucifix position as Pineda lands a ton of big shots. And referee Mark Smith has seen enough as Pineda gets another finish.

Official decision – TKO (ground strikes) Round 2 (4:37)

Great performance by Pineda as he has been working for over 6 years to get back to the UFC after being cut by the mma promotional leader in March 2014.