Gilbert Burns finally has his next dance partner.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto confirmed today (Tues., Nov. 22, 2022) that a Welterweight clash between No. 5-ranked contender, Burns (20-5), and No. 12-ranked, Neil Magny (27-9), is close to finalization for UFC 283 on Jan. 21, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“To be honest, I was looking to fight Belal Muhammad or someone higher ranked, but this guy called me out,” Burns told Okamoto. “You’re not going to call me out, go to Brazil and beat me.”
Burns has been itching to get back in action since his April 2022 Fight of the Year candidate opposite Khamzat Chimaev. Unfortunately for “Durinho,” he suffered a unanimous decision defeat in the bout and had been hoping to line up an encounter against fellow former title challenger, Jorge Masvidal. Instead, he draws the new record holder for most wins in UFC Welterweight history, Magny.
Magny rebounded in his last time out, defeating Daniel Rodriguez via third round d’arce choke submission at UFC Vegas 64 (watch highlights). The win prevented Magny from going on what would have been just the second losing streak of his active 36-fight career, dating back to his UFC start in 2013.
With 2023 drawing near, it looks more and more likely that UFC 283 will only host a single title bout. Regardless, the Brazilian faithful is being represented proudly with a likely thrilling showcase.
The full lineup for UFC 283 as it currently stands can be seen here:
- 125lbs.: (C)Deiveson Figueiredo vs. (IC)Brandon Moreno
- 205lbs.: Maurício Rua vs. Ihor Potieria
- 205lbs.: Paul Craig vs. Johnny Walker
- 170lbs.: Warlley Alves vs. Nicolas Dalby
- 265lbs.: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Jailton Almeida
- 155lbs.: Thiago Moisés vs. Guram Kutateladze
- 155lbs.: Terrance McKinney vs. Ismael Bonfim
- 185lbs.: Brad Tavares vs. Gregory Rodrigues
- 125lbs.: Jéssica Andrade vs. Lauren Murphy
- 170lbs.: Mounir Lazzez vs. Gabriel Bonfim
- 145lbs.: Josiane Nunes vs. Zarah Fairn Dos Santos
- 170lbs.: Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny