Burns gets into a public spat with manager over backing Oliveira against Makhachev

UFC welterweight top contender Gilbert Burns has raised his profile considerably thanks to a steady stream of great performances in the octagon. The Brazilian is currently targeting a clash with Jorge Masvidal but is having trouble pinning him down to a contract.

In the mean time he’s turned his eye back to his former weight division light weight where he backed country man Charles Oliveira to beat Islam Makhachev.

This caused an online spat with his manager Ali Abdelaziz (who also manages Makhachev).

UFC 280 is just around the corner where former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev will exchange blows for the vacant belt. The event will be held on October 23 and will take place in Abu Dhabi. Fans have been getting excited since the announcement, including former title challenger Gilbert Burns.

Charles Oliveira is currently the underdog but Gilbert Burns is still siding with his fellow Brazilian . The 36-year-old has been expressing his support for Oliveira since before the matchup with Makhachev was announced. When asked about Oliveira going against Makhachev, Burns said he is certain that Oliveira would handle the Dagestan sensation.

His manager Ali Abdelaziz who also manages Islam Makhachev even responded to that interview on Twitter back then.

“Hey [Gilbert Burns] I just heard your interview about Olivera can beat Islam, I know you don’t believe that, and Beneil will beat Olivier too.” Abdelaziz wrote.

Recently, the two got into an online altercation again. It started simply after Burns said he bet on Oliveira to finish Makhachev in the third round. However, Abdelaziz was clearly baffled and claimed that Gilbert wasn’t serious.

“Oliveira 3 round finish.” Burns wrote, to which Abdelaziz responded, “Behind closed door you don’t believe this.”

Burns then showed that he is serious and challenged his manager to a $50,000 wager. But, the Dominance MMA manager warned him that he might be getting kicked out by his “boss”.

“So $50K bet is on??” Burns wrote.

“Save your money, the boss will kick you out if you lose this money and you know who I’m talking about.” Adbelaziz responded.