Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Gilbert Burns is hoping to challenge Kamaru Usman as early as next month.
Fresh off his dominant unanimous decision win over Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 9, surging welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is looking to challenge Kamaru Usman for the title as early as next month.
Speaking to MMA Fighting in a recent interview, ‘Durinho’ (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) said he has volunteered to fight ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) at UFC 250 on July 11.
“We’re waiting for the UFC’s decision,” Burns, who trains with Usman at Sanford MMA (formerly Blackzilians), said. “I volunteered to fight for the UFC title in July if they want. I know UFC 251 is on July 11, and I volunteered for it. If they want it, I’ll fight for the belt on the 11th, or I can fight the No. 2 or No. 3 [fighter] in the rankings, whoever the UFC wants.
“I’ve already volunteered, and I will honor that. When I volunteer for a date, I make sure I’m ready for it in case something happens. I’ll get back to the gym on Monday.”
UFC president Dana White has commended Burns for his initiative and said it’s ‘highly likely’ that the Brazilian will fight Usman for the title next.
Dana White said @GilbertDurinho is highly likely to fight Kamaru Usman for the title next! pic.twitter.com/o0pTO0ABg7
— Ben Askren’s Ghost (@BenAskrenGhost) June 4, 2020
“Burns told me that night, ‘let’s turn this sh-t right around, I’ll fight Usman now — I’m ready’. I love that kind of sh-it. When you’re that guy, it’s highly likely you’re getting that f-cking fight.”
As eager as Burns is to challenge for UFC gold, the 33-year-old said he will have to enter a different mental space when he steps into the Octagon to face his teammate.
“Even in the Demian (Maia) fight, someone that I don’t have a friendship, but I do admire, I thought twice before going over him to ground and pound to end the fight,” he said. “That’s something that will have to be worked on, because I really like Kamaru. We’ve been in wars in the gym for many years, he’s a great training partner, he gives me great training, and I will have to work on that if this fight is booked.”
UFC 250 is scheduled to take place next month, July 11, at a yet TBD location.