Tag: Gilbert Burns

Gilbert Burns Unconvinced That Chimaev Fight Is A #1 Contender Bout

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns isn’t sure whether or not to 100% trust that a win over Khamzat Chimaev will earn him a title shot. Burns will square off with the rising star Chimaev at UFC 273. He is coming off of an impressive win over Stephen Thompson at UFC 264 and is looking to…

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UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns isn’t sure whether or not to 100% trust that a win over Khamzat Chimaev will earn him a title shot.

Burns will square off with the rising star Chimaev at UFC 273. He is coming off of an impressive win over Stephen Thompson at UFC 264 and is looking to get back into the welterweight title chase.

During a recent interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee, Burns explained why he doesn’t fully trust White’s recent comments about his Chimaev fight being for a No. 1 contender spot.

“Yeah, but Dana also said that women (are) never gonna fight MMA,” Burns said. “He said a lot of things that I respect that when you have one opinion, but later on, you change it. And it can change. We will see. I think everything is about performance. I gotta go there and get a finish, and then I can have a title shot. But it’s all about performance. If the fight (ends) up being boring or being not what people expect, for sure we gotta do one more fight.”

Khamzat Chimaev on Twitter: "Who is next @danawhite ? 💀💀💀💀💀 💀💀💀💀💀 https://t.co/6J67AWh2Sq" / Twitter

Burns’ thoughts on White aren’t exactly far-fetched. White has repeatedly pivoted on various UFC-related issues, including his once unmistakable enthusiasm about getting into boxing.

White also hinted at “very good” chances that Nate Diaz will get a new UFC contract but was later contradicted by Diaz on social media. He has also switched stances repeatedly on a potential super-fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Henry Cejudo.

Burns is looking to earn another shot at the welterweight title after losing to Kamaru Usman at UFC 258. Before that, he earned dominant wins over the likes of Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia.

Chimaev has surged into the welterweight title picture following an undefeated run in the UFC. He most recently defeated Li Jingliang at UFC 267.

Burns will look to force White and the UFC’s hand with an impressive win and potentially another welterweight title shot next.

What is your prediction for Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev?

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Khamzat Chimaev Hits Back at Critics, Compares Record to McGregor, Jones & Khabib

Khamzat ChimaevKhamzat Chimaev has hit back at the doubters who undermine his skills based on his resume ahead of his bout with Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 this April 9 in Jacksonville, Florida. Chimaev compared his record to the likes of Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Every one of those fighters is likely to […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev has hit back at the doubters who undermine his skills based on his resume ahead of his bout with Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 this April 9 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Chimaev compared his record to the likes of Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Every one of those fighters is likely to go down as one of the greatest of all time with Nurmagomedov leading the way into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

While the aforementioned fighters were dominant in their own right, Chimaev has shown something special with his fighting style. He’s become known for mauling the fighters across the octagon from him while taking little no damage in the process.

Bursting onto the mainstream during the pandemic, Khamzat Chimaev lit up the MMA community with a ferocious streak of four wins in the UFC, all coming by finishes. The Chechen-born Swede fought three times in two months and carved a reputation for completely dominating his opponents.

Talking to The Mac Life about his doubters, Chimaev went on to defend his resume as he compared it to the early careers of Jones, McGregor, and Nurmagomedov.

“Who did like, go in the cage, ten fights, ten finishes?” Chimaev asked. “The guys tell like, ‘Oh, he didn’t fight this guy. He didn’t fight that guy.’ But the guys who’s the best guys, Jon Jones. His first four fights in UFC, he get the punch. I didn’t get the punch.”

“We don’t say his first fights, he didn’t get the best ones; the guys, you know, like, super good guys. Nobody. Conor [McGregor] didn’t get that, crazy good guys in their first fights. Nobody. Khabib didn’t get crazy good guys. I just need the time.” (via MMA Mania)

Will Khamzat Chimaev live up to the hype against Gilbert Burns?

The hype that Khamzat Chimaev has been able to generate is a phenomenon in itself given the short time he’s been in the UFC. He has his fair share of doubters like the welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who highlighted the lack of high-level competition in his record.

The undefeated Chimaev is gearing up to face his biggest challenge in second-ranked welterweight Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. Many have been quick to dismiss his legitimacy for the UFC title contention including UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya who said he did not consider Chimaev a threat just yet.

Based on the level of competition that Jones, McGregor, and Nurmagomedov had faced in their fifth fight, Chimaev ranks higher with a serious threat in Burns coming as his fifth bout. Although Chimaev has less fighting experience overall before his fifth fight (compared to McGregor’s 19 and Khabib’s 21 fights), Dana White confirmed the possibility of a title shot against Usman.

Do you think a win against Gilbert Burns warrants a title shot for Khamzat Chimaev?

Michael Chandler Promises to Put on a Show Against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274

Michael ChandlerMichael Chandler has promised to put on a show for the fans against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 this May 7 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Talking to Helen Yee Sports about his next bout, Chandler revealed Ferguson to be the first guy his team had approached when he made the switch from […]

Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler has promised to put on a show for the fans against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 this May 7 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Talking to Helen Yee Sports about his next bout, Chandler revealed Ferguson to be the first guy his team had approached when he made the switch from Bellator last year. Although UFC announced the fight last week, no contracts have been signed with only a verbal agreement in place between the two.

In his relatively short run in the organization so far, Chandler has become a fan favorite following his Fight of the Year performance against Justin Gaethje.

He’s become known for the signature ‘Michael Chandler in your face flair’ and is sure to put on a show for the fans as he tends to throw the game plan out the window in favor of a less surgical brawl.

“There’s not a fan on earth who wouldn’t want to see me re-match either of those guys (Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira),” said Chandler on the possibility of getting a title shot. Chandler and Ferguson have shared both opponents as he looks determined to become the UFC champion by the year-end given he beats Ferguson at UFC 274.

Michael Chandler confident Gilbert Burns will get the win

On fellow Sanford MMA teammate Gilbert Burns fighting Khamzat Chimaev on the same card, Michael Chandler said, “There’s not a lot of guys that I would tote as people who live a championship lifestyle. When I see the way Gilbert Burns carries himself, the way he shows up early to practice, he stays late, the way he also leads with a servant’s heart.”

“Khamzat is a beast. It’s a great test but I think it’s a very dangerous fight for Khamzat because I think Gilbert Burns is championship material. He’s unbreakable and I think he’s going to go out there and win,” said Chandler as he showed his support for Burns.

Who do you think will come out victorious at UFC 274, Michael Chandler or Tony Ferguson?

Usman Scoffs At Chimaev Receiving Title Shot With Win Over Burns

UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has pumped the brakes on the idea Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns will be fighting for #1 contender status at UFC 273 next month. Having rag-dolled John Phillips, Rhys McKee, and Li Jingliang, and brutally knocked out Gerald Meerschaert, Chimaev is set for his stiffest test to date at the…

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UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has pumped the brakes on the idea Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns will be fighting for #1 contender status at UFC 273 next month.

Having rag-dolled John Phillips, Rhys McKee, and Li Jingliang, and brutally knocked out Gerald Meerschaert, Chimaev is set for his stiffest test to date at the April 9 pay-per-view.

The undefeated Chechen-born Swede has gained significant hype in just four appearances in the Octagon and has been touted by many as a future champion. If he’s to move one step closer to bringing that prediction to fruition, “Borz” will have to get through one of the division’s top contenders next.

On the UFC 273 main card, the #11-ranked 170lber will share the cage with Gilbert Burns. Since returning to welterweight in 2019, “Durinho” has gone 5-1, a record that includes victories over Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson. His sole loss in that period came to titleholder Usman last February.

With Burns sat at #2 in the weight class and Chimaev rapidly surging up the divisional ladder, many have highlighted their clash next month as a title eliminator. At UFC 272 this past weekend, UFC President Dana White even suggested that idea “makes sense.”

But one man who disagrees with that sentiment is perhaps the one man Burns and Chimaev need onboard…

Usman: Chimaev Hasn’t Even Fought In The Top 10

Despite already gaining more mainstream attention than most fighters do across their entire careers, Chimaev sits outside the top 10 and only boasts one win over a ranked opponent.

While the victory over Jingliang showed his potential and further extended his dominance in the Octagon so far, many have suggested “Borz” requires triumphs over top-10 and top-five opponents before entering the title discussions.

That belief was shared by the champion during a media scrum prior to the UFC 272 ceremonial weigh-ins in Las Vegas last week.

“Well, I mean, this guy hasn’t even fought in the top 10. He hasn’t even beat anyone yet,” said Usman.” So, I mean, Covington is still standing in the way. So I think there’s still a couple more fights that he has to get through. But, like I say, I love to compete. When that fight presents itself, I’ll be here to compete.”

Usman didn’t, however, specifically discuss the possibility of Burns earning a rematch with a win over Chimaev. The Brazilian recently suggested he’ll accept nothing but a title shot. However, the mention of Covington perhaps suggests “The Nigerian Nightmare” expects the victor to go through the former interim champ first.

While it appears opinion will be split on Chimaev’s title credentials should he emerge victorious over Burns at UFC 273, the fact Usman isn’t expected to defend his gold against Leon Edwards until the summer will perhaps lead to another fight for “Borz” regardless.

After Covington maintained his place at #1 on the welterweight ladder this past weekend with a five-round triumph over Jorge Masvidal, it seems he’s the man to beat in the division. Perhaps we’ll see the winner of Chimaev vs. Burns face “Chaos” later this year, with a shot at championship glory at stake.

Do you agree with Kamaru Usman? Does Khamzat Chimaev need a few more wins before challenging for the throne?

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Dana White Confirms Khamzat Chimaev vs Gilbert Burns Is For The #1 Contender

Dana WhiteKhamzat Chimaev vs Gilbert Burns will be for the number one contender of the welterweight title according to Dana White. After months of speculations and rumors, the UFC finally made the fight everyone has been asking for between Chimaev and Burns. Chimaev is one of the most talented up and coming fighters, while Burns is […]

Dana White

Khamzat Chimaev vs Gilbert Burns will be for the number one contender of the welterweight title according to Dana White.

After months of speculations and rumors, the UFC finally made the fight everyone has been asking for between Chimaev and Burns. Chimaev is one of the most talented up and coming fighters, while Burns is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the welterweight division.

Burns is looking to get his second shot at welterweight gold, after his first fight against Kamaru Usman didn’t go his way. Although he lost, Burns still had some really sharp moments against the champ and even knocked him down in the fight. Usman’s jab was too much for Burns as he ended up knocking him down and finishing the fight with a jab followed by ground and pound. Since his loss to Usman, Burns has bounced back and beaten ‘Wonderboy’ Stephen Thompson. ‘Borz’ on the other hand, is a monster that Burns hasn’t seen inside the octagon.

Chimaev’s ascension has been a rather quick one, but he has ended all his fights in spectacular fashion while taking no damage at all. He is the biggest “hype train” in the entire organization and is getting a chance to prove he is amongst the elite in the division.

Dana White answered swiftly when asked whether or not the fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns would crown the next Welterweight title challenger

“That makes sense, yeah….you’re making a lot of sense.” Dana White answered quickly in the post fight press conference.

While it has yet to be announced officially, Kamaru Usman will defend his title against Leon Edwards sometime in the near future. Dana White promised that the next welterweight title match would be between those two fighters. While Edwards has been on a tear and hasn’t lost in six years, it is hard to bet against the current champion who has been as dominant in that same span.

The welterweight division continues to be one of the more interesting division in the entire organization. Many fans are excited to see Chimaev square off against Usman in the future.

Who do you think will win between Chimaev and Burns? Will they be fighting Usman or Edwards?

Gilbert Burns: I’m Only Taking A Title Fight After I Beat Chimaev

UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns says he will only be accepting a title fight if he conquers undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in his next fight. Burns and Chimaev have both openly spoken of their intentions to fight each other in their next Octagon appearances with no official confirmation of a bout between the pair by the UFC…

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UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns says he will only be accepting a title fight if he conquers undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in his next fight.

Burns and Chimaev have both openly spoken of their intentions to fight each other in their next Octagon appearances with no official confirmation of a bout between the pair by the UFC as of yet. Meanwhile, the Brazilian has also requested that their fight be a five-rounder.

But now, Burns has gone one step further as he has emphasised he will only be looking to fight for the title with a victory over Chimaev.

Burns Wants Title Shot If He Derails Chimaev’s Hype Train

Gilbert Burns
Gilbert Burns, Credit: Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty

Speaking to The Schmo, Burns said that he is preparing to face Chimaev on April 9th at UFC 273 but has yet to have had confirmation of the fight. He also spoke on what he expects from the UFC if he defeats the #11-ranked welterweight.

“Me, I want to fight for the title,” said Burns. “Why am I gonna fight Colby or Masvidal? I have nothing against these guys. I don’t want to push no one down. I don’t want to put myself up there (and) push anyone down. I respect everyone in that division. I think he’s one of the toughest in the division.

“But beating Chimaev, #11 in the rankings with all that hype—to be completely honest, I don’t have to fight this guy. But I’m a fighter, I’m a competitor. I want to fight. I want to stay active.”

Chimaev and many others have claimed that nobody is willing to face the rising star, with Burns along with Neil Magny as two of few that were eager to fight the Swede. Burns himself also claimed nobody was willing to face him, which led to his callout of Chimaev.

“(None) of these guys want to fight me. The only guy that’s willing is Chimaev. So why not? I’m gonna fight the guy. And beating this guy, taking that hype away, the only fight I’m doing (next) is the title shot. That’s the only fight that I’m taking.”

Do you see Gilbert Burns derailing the hype train of Khamzat Chimaev?

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