Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Gilbert Burns has responded to comments made by Nate Diaz that recently rubbed him the wrong way.
Bothered by some recent comments made by Nate Diaz about him, Gilbert Burns has labelled Diaz a “journeyman” who he could beat even with coronavirus.
Diaz criticised Burns saying he settled for less money to fight Usman at UFC 251, and he also took aim at Usman for not fighting the top contender at welterweight. Unfortunately for Burns he wouldn’t get his chance to fight for the title as he pulled out of the fight with Usman due to a positive test for COVID-19.
Burns responded when he spoke to ESPN and said he could ‘slap up’ Diaz easily.
“It bothered me a little bit,” Burns said. “Because I’m a real fighter, too.
“He’s a journeyman. I think I can beat the (expletive) out of Nate Diaz any day of the week,” Burns said. “Even with corona on me, I believe I can beat Nate Diaz. I can outbox him, outgrapple him, I can slap that guy up easily. The guy comes out and (makes) those comments like – I’m a real fighter too, bro. I used to respect these guys a lot, but guess what? I’m a real fighter, too. You fought Conor (McGregor) on a couple of days’ notice. I fought a Russian guy, 20-0, on a couple days’ notice.” (Transcription via MMA Junkie)
Since the cancellation of Usman vs. Burns, ‘BMF’ champion Jorge Masvidal has filled in to face Usman this Saturday. Reacting to the news, Diaz said it was a “real fight” compared to the previous booking. Diaz fought Masvidal back in November 2019, losing by doctor’s stoppage in the third round.
UFC 251 takes place this Saturday, July 11th, on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. Usman vs. Masvidal will headline the card.