Tag: Gilbert Burns

Usman: A Lot Of People Disrespected Burns Ahead Of Chimaev Fight

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman believes the pre-fight narratives ahead of UFC 273 were “disrespectful” towards Gilbert Burns. Despite his #2 ranking at the time, Burns agreed to take on rising star Khamzat Chimaev, ranked #11 before meeting “Durinho,” at the April 9 pay-per-view. One of the leading discussions before the event surrounded the lopsided…

Continue Reading Usman: A Lot Of People Disrespected Burns Ahead Of Chimaev Fight at MMA News.

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman believes the pre-fight narratives ahead of UFC 273 were “disrespectful” towards Gilbert Burns.

Despite his #2 ranking at the time, Burns agreed to take on rising star Khamzat Chimaev, ranked #11 before meeting “Durinho,” at the April 9 pay-per-view. One of the leading discussions before the event surrounded the lopsided betting odds, which had “Borz,” who was yet to face a top-10 opponent, as a heavy favorite.

Unfazed by his underdog status, Burns, an 18-fight UFC veteran and former title challenger, brought the fight to Chimaev. Multiplying the number of significant strikes that the Chechen-born Swede has eaten in the UFC by over 100, the Brazilian played his past in a three-round contest that will no doubt be in the discussion for Fight of the Year.

Despite falling on the wrong side of a unanimous decision verdict, the respect and admiration for Burns no doubt increased off the back of his performance.

Now, former teammate and opponent Usman, who recorded a third-round TKO victory over Burns last February, his given his thoughts on the contest, slamming those who didn’t give “Durinho” a chance against the surging Chimaev.

Usman: Burns Was Wrongly Dismissed Before Chimaev Fight

During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Usman praised both men for their efforts inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

But while he acknowledged that the hype behind Chimaev and his potential is good for the sport, “The Nigerian Nightmare” believes it paved the way for Burns’ abilities to be disrespected and underrated prior to the PPV.

“It was a very, very good fight. I think both guys came prepared the best they could, and the fight showed that. I think a lot of people were disrespecting Gilbert Burns, assessed Usman. “You get a kid like this (Chimaev) that comes in and has all this hype and everyone talking about him, the is great, it’s great for the sport, it’s great for guys like myself. It’s very good.

“And so, I think the way the media kind of portrayed the week, to where he was the most talked-about thing on that card… it was very disrespectful to a guy like Gilbert Burns, who has put in the years, who has put in the time, has fought all these guys to get up here at the top of the division, and now you’re just kinda dismissing him,” added Usman. “I think, to be honest with you, just minor tweaks from Gilbert Burns and I think that fight was definitely very, very winnable.”

Ahead of his collision with Chimaev, Burns repeatedly claimed he didn’t see the “monster” many people branded the 27-year-old as. Despite having his name added two Chimaev’s unblemished record, the Brazilian believes he proved that “Borz” is human with his performance at UFC 273.

While Chimaev, now ranked #3 at 170 pounds, moves towards a potential clash with Colby Covington and a future date with Usman, it’s back to the drawing board for Burns, who’s not giving up hope of securing a second crack at ascending the welterweight mountain.

Do you agree with Kamaru Usman? Was Gilbert Burns disrespected ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev?

Continue Reading Usman: A Lot Of People Disrespected Burns Ahead Of Chimaev Fight at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns: I’ll Fight Nate Diaz With No-Takedown Stipulation

Gilbert Burns is looking for a big-name fight next. Gilbert Burns has shown that he belongs at the top of the welterweight division. He is a former title challenger and he is looking to make his way up to the top once again. He recently fought up-and-coming contender Khamzat Chimaev on the UFC 273 main…

Continue Reading Gilbert Burns: I’ll Fight Nate Diaz With No-Takedown Stipulation at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns is looking for a big-name fight next.

Gilbert Burns has shown that he belongs at the top of the welterweight division. He is a former title challenger and he is looking to make his way up to the top once again. He recently fought up-and-coming contender Khamzat Chimaev on the UFC 273 main card, but unfortunately for Burns, the fight did not go his way.

Now, Burns is heading back to the drawing board and has a few big names on his checklist.

“I don’t need to give another opportunity to another up-and-coming guy. I need a big fight. I need a couple guys. I know I’m gonna have a long way up to the title. I’m gonna need two or three impressive wins. I’m okay with that,” Burns said to TMZ Sports.

“Now I want a big fight. I know Nate Diaz needs an opponent. I think that will be a crazy fight. I can put in the contract, ‘No takedowns attempted, just standup…’ I love that fight. Nate, maybe Nick, maybe Masvidal. Right now, I’m just gonna focus on my recovery.”

Among the names listed was Nate Diaz. Diaz has been lingering at the end of his UFC contract and although an extension was recently rumored, no official word has come from that. Diaz also asked recently to end his UFC contract in favor of heading to Bellator, but that also has not come true.

Burns is currently sitting in the number four spot since losing to Chimaev, and he knows a win over a big name like the ones he mentioned would get him closer to the title.

Burns’ proposal to Diaz of a no takedown clause is of course unrealistic but could be a method to entice Diaz to begin some negotiations. Once Diaz starts trash-talking with someone, that fight begins to get traction, although many times it does not result in an actual contract.

Would you like to see Gilbert Burns take on Nate Diaz in a stand-up-only war?

Continue Reading Gilbert Burns: I’ll Fight Nate Diaz With No-Takedown Stipulation at MMA News.

Burns: I Showed Chimaev Isn’t The Monster People Thought He Was

Gilbert Burns didn’t pick up the win at UFC 273 over Khamzat Chimaev, but he showed fans that Chimaev isn’t unstoppable in the Octagon. Burns and Chimaev earned ‘Fight of the Night’ honors following their three-round bloodbath at UFC 273. After fifteen minutes of nonstop action on the feet and ground, Chimaev earned a unanimous…

Continue Reading Burns: I Showed Chimaev Isn’t The Monster People Thought He Was at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns didn’t pick up the win at UFC 273 over Khamzat Chimaev, but he showed fans that Chimaev isn’t unstoppable in the Octagon.

Burns and Chimaev earned ‘Fight of the Night’ honors following their three-round bloodbath at UFC 273. After fifteen minutes of nonstop action on the feet and ground, Chimaev earned a unanimous decision win on the judges’ scorecards.

Chimaev was the big betting favorite entering his showdown with UFC 273, but Burns arguably came very close to spoiling Chimaev’s night. Some of his UFC colleagues, including Ian Garry, believe Burns did enough to win the fight in Rounds 1 and 3.

Despite the loss, Burns is keeping his head up as he moves forward in his pursuit of UFC gold. During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Burns gave an inside look at what it was like competing against the upstart Chimaev.

“I think he hits pretty hard. I was expecting a little bit more wrestling,” Burns admitted. “Like I said before, I have a ton of respect for this guy, but I don’t see no Superman, I don’t see no murderer, no monster. I see a guy just like me, with a lot of will, a lot of heart, trying to get a finish… I don’t think he’s the monster that people (said he was). I just showed that he’s human. But the guy’s a warrior, too. But yeah, I just see another tough guy, nothing different than the other guys that I was facing.”

Chimaev could have a matchup with Colby Covington next on his to-do list, as UFC President Dana White teased recently. Before the loss to Chimaev, Burns earned an impressive win over former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 264.

Burns earned a lot of respect from the fans for his performance at UFC 273. Despite suffering from the jaws of defeat, Burns proved that everyone can be beaten, including top prospects like Chimaev.

How did you score Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273?

Continue Reading Burns: I Showed Chimaev Isn’t The Monster People Thought He Was at MMA News.

Burns: I Was More Nervous For Chimaev Than Any Other Fight Ever

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns says he’s never been more nervous for a fight than he was prior to his clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273. While two champions defended their titles at last weekend’s Jacksonville-held pay-per-view, a blockbuster clash in the 170-pound division made good on its threats to steal the spotlight Having…

Continue Reading Burns: I Was More Nervous For Chimaev Than Any Other Fight Ever at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns says he’s never been more nervous for a fight than he was prior to his clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273.

While two champions defended their titles at last weekend’s Jacksonville-held pay-per-view, a blockbuster clash in the 170-pound division made good on its threats to steal the spotlight

Having steamrolled his four prior opponents, rising star Chimaev was given a true litmus test on April 9 when he shared the Octagon with Burns. Across three rounds, “Borz” proved he can hang with the elite of the weight class, even in a back-and-forth war.

Following 15 minutes of memorable, Fight of the Year-worthy action, Chimaev was awarded the victory via unanimous decisions. Giving credence to his own gutsy performance, “Durinho” left the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena with his win money, a bonus, and certainly no damage to his stock.

Prior to their contest, Burns was ranked #2 on the welterweight ladder. In agreeing to face the surging Chimaev, the Brazilian was certainly taking a risk. That’s because the Chechen-born Swede was sat one spot outside the top 10 ahead of UFC 273.

While he certainly didn’t show it in fight week, Burns has now described just how nervous he was ahead of such a high-stakes battle.

Burns Compares Pre-Chimaev Nerves To Usman, Maia & Thompson Fights

During an interview with MMA Underground’s John Morgan days after his 18th walk to the Octagon, Burns compared how the nerves of his latest outing compared with his pre-fight feeling ahead of bouts against Demian Maia, Kamaru Usman, and Stephen Thompson.

While he admitted being “freakin’ nervous” ahead of his 2020 fight with Maia and UFC 264 collision with “Wonderboy,” Burns suggested that nothing matched the nerves he felt ahead of his date with “Borz,” not even his title shot last February.

“It was a great week, I had fun at the weigh-ins, at the face-off. I kinda anticipated all the little things that he was doing, I was ready for it. But it was another fight that I was freakin’ nervous before the fight,” admitted Burns. “The level is just going up, you know.

“Demian Maia, it was too much, it was number three. Kamaru, I was a little bit overconfident, so I wasn’t that nervous; I was overconfident. Stephen Thompson, I was freakin’ nervous. That passed Demian Maia. But the last one, I was more nervous than ever,” concluded Burns.

A nervous build-up and a disappointing loss certainly hasn’t stalled Burns’ motivation, nor has it dissuaded him from calling for a rematch. Soon after his memorable war with Chimaev, the Brazilian stated that he’s not finished with the Chechen-born Swede yet, a callout that was met with a positive response from the now-#3 contender.

But before contemplating his next step, Burns will turn his attention to family and recovery time. Meanwhile, Chimaev may be headed towards a meeting with two-time title challenger Colby Covington.

How do you think Gilbert Burns performed against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273?

Continue Reading Burns: I Was More Nervous For Chimaev Than Any Other Fight Ever at MMA News.

Video | Khamzat Chimaev Already Returns To Training Following UFC 273 Battle

Khamzat ChimaevStreaking UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has stunningly returned to training less than a week removed from his back-and-forth battle with one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 last weekend. Chimaev, who featured in a three round main card clash with Niteroi contender, Burns, managed to remain undefeated, landing a close, unanimous decision (29-28, […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Streaking UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has stunningly returned to training less than a week removed from his back-and-forth battle with one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 last weekend.

Chimaev, who featured in a three round main card clash with Niteroi contender, Burns, managed to remain undefeated, landing a close, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) victory over the Brazilian – improving to 11-0 as a result. 

The Chechen-born contender managed to lodge his fifth consecutive UFC victory with his judging success, however, faced severe adversity over the course of the 15-minute war – absorbing a total of 119 significant strikes, after receiving just one significant land in four prior Octagon appearances. 

Winning the opening and third round against Sanford MMA staple, Burns, Chimaev – a mainstay at AllStars MMA in Sweden, was dropped in the closing stages of the second round, courtesy of a massive counter right hand from Burns.

Remaining unbeaten, nonetheless, Chimaev has quite stunningly – already returned to training, just days removed from his blood and guts display against Burns.

“The date is 12. of April,” A narrator says as Khamzat Chimaev slings kettlebells, ”9. of April, we went to war (against Gilbert Burns). This is why this guy is gonna become a champion. This is why, you understand? After a war like that… back in the gym training, after a f*cking war like that.”

“We’ve been here since 8:30 and now it’s 9:30. We have another half hour of training. So, f*ck you if you don’t believe in us.” (Transcribed by BloodyElbow)

Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to draw the #1 ranked, Colby Covington next

Yet to book his next outing off the back of his win over Burns, Chimaev has been linked to a potential title-eliminator against former interim champion, Colby Covington – possibly on an upcoming ABC broadcasted card, however, Chimaev has also received a callout from Burns – who has welcomed a five round rematch in the future.

“The way I see it too, is that we’re (me and Khamzat Chimaev) not done,” Gilbert Burns said. “I do believe we’re not done. For sure, he moves forward in the rankings and they (the UFC) want to make that Colby (Covington) fight. But the way I see it, I’m not afraid to fight anyone in this division. Time and time again I’ve proved it. … I just want one thing back from Khamzat (Chimaev). I want the courtesy (of a rematch).”

Gilbert Burns Feels He’s earned A Big Fight, Wants Diaz Brothers Or Masvidal

Gilbert BurnsUFC welterweight, Gilbert Burns feels he deserves a big fight with the likes of Jorge Masvidal or the Diaz Brothers. Burns if coming off a dramatic performance against Khamzat Chimaev this past weekend at UFC 273 which saw the two combatants trade shots for three rounds in what could be fight of the year. Although […]

Gilbert Burns

UFC welterweight, Gilbert Burns feels he deserves a big fight with the likes of Jorge Masvidal or the Diaz Brothers.

Burns if coming off a dramatic performance against Khamzat Chimaev this past weekend at UFC 273 which saw the two combatants trade shots for three rounds in what could be fight of the year.

Although Burns may have lost the battle, he most certainly won the war. seeing his stock and fanfare rise tremendously as he gave the -475 favorite a real run for his money; dropping him in the second round.

Both fighters have shown interest in a rematch over five rounds, but it seems that Chimaev will now face No.1 contender, Colby Covington. So where does this leave burns? 

Gilbert Burns Wants A Big Fight Next

‘Durinho’ feels now after eight years with the promotion and after accepting the Chimaev fight, he deserves a big fight.

“To be honest with you, I want a big fight.” Burns said to TSN, I don’t know who. Nate Diaz’s name is always on my mind. Nate or Nick, that’s a fight that I’ve always wanted to do. We’ll see, I think maybe Masvidal, then I’ll fight contenders again.

“We’ll see. I think I’ve earned the spot to get a big fight. I just gave the opportunity to Khamzat, we had a war. I don’t know, I just feel that the way the fight went, he gave me an opportunity to explore a big fight.”

Gilbert Burns talking with Aaron Bronsteter

Burns may be right, he has faced the best the UFC have thrown at him over two weight classes, the Brazilian has shared the octagon with the likes of Kamaru Usman, Stephan Thompson, Tyron Woodley, and Dan Hooker.

He has also proven himself as an exciting fighter to watch, especially after his last performance; producing one of the best three round fights ever.

Who would you like to See Gilbert Burns face next?