Gilbert Burns is a former UFC welterweight championship contender. He has stated his desire to face Colby Covington, a former interim champion, in a title eliminator in the near future. However it’s more likely Burns will have to go through Jorge Masvidal first.
Masvidal was offered a date with Burns in November but declined due to hand surgery – and said he would be ready for December.
Burns addressed the obvious possibility of facing Covington and explained he might be sidelined until March of the next year.
Burns is the current No. 4 welterweight contender. He lost a close unanimous decision to Khamzat Chimaev in April in Jacksonville during a high-profile main event appearance at UFC 273.
Burns, a master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lost again after handing two-time championship contender Stephen Thompson a lopsided unanimous decision loss in the co-main event of UFC 264 back in June.
Burns competed against previous champion Kamaru Usman for the title in February of last year. Despite dropping Usman in the opening round, Burns ultimately lost via third-round knockout.
In an interview with the AllStar, Gilbert Burns described a bout with Colby Covington as “a dream.”
He said:
“The rumors [were] that he was very bad. He had a neck injury, the nerves were very bad – he lost a little bit of movement in his neck. He kinda broke his jaw again, he had surgery and the surgery didn’t go well. He’s still doing the PT (physical therapy), he’s not training.”
“If everything goes okay, he’s only back in March – that’s what I heard. I think it’s true because he’s quiet – he hasn’t said anything. I think he’s out until March next year.”
“Colby is always an option, you know. If you’re asking me what’s the best option for me, I’d say (Jorge) Masvidal in December or January, and Colby next after that.”
Burns had a run of four straight wins leading up to a championship challenge before being knocked out by now-former champion Usman. Burns had defeated Alexey Kunchenko, Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, and previous champion Tyron Woodley.