Top-ranked welterweight contender Gilbert Burns will try to dethrone reigning division kingpin Kamaru Usman in the UFC 258 pay-per-view (PPV) main event, scheduled for Sat., Feb. 13, 2021, inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Just don’t expect it to go all five rounds.
That’s because “Durinho” is confident he can be the first UFC fighter to defeat “The Nigerian Nightmare” and capture the crown. In addition, Burns is expecting to finish their 170-pound contest somewhere in the third or fourth frame.
“I see a finish,” Burns told TMZ Sports (transcribed by Adam Martin). “I’m very dangerous. I got good weapons. I’m making sure everything is getting sharp. The last two weeks until the day of the fight I’m going to make sure everything is in control. Everything that I can control I will control. I’m going to sharpen every single tool that I have, and I believe I will be the one that will finish Kamaru on February 13. I don’t know (when), but inside the three or four rounds I think will be able to get a finish.”
Burns (19-3) has rattled off six straight wins, including last May’s unanimous decision victory over Tyron Woodley. As for Usman (17-1), he disposed of Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 back in July, having previously rid himself of Colby Covington at UFC 245.
UFC 258 will mark the promotion’s third attempt to pair Burns against Usman.
Also competing at the Feb. 13 event is former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, who rematches Uriah Hall after scoring a technical knockout finish over “Prime Time” back on the regional circuit. In addition, Kelvin Gastelum looks to improve his stock at 185 pounds opposite Ian Heinisch.
For the latest UFC 258 fight card and ESPN+ PPV lineup click here.