Tag: Gilbert Burns

Khamzat Chimaev: The Gilbert Burns Fight Comes Down To His Manager

UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev has addressed rumors he could fight Gilbert Burns next, suggesting whether or not the matchup comes together is down to the Brazilian’s manager Ali Abdelaziz.

The fact that we’re already in a position to discuss Chi…

Khamzat Chimaev, Ali Abdelaziz, Gilbert Burns

UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev has addressed rumors he could fight Gilbert Burns next, suggesting whether or not the matchup comes together is down to the Brazilian’s manager Ali Abdelaziz.

The fact that we’re already in a position to discuss Chimaev and Burns in the same breath is remarkable. It’s a testament to the 27-year-old’s rapid and brutal rise up the UFC ranks, something he’s achieved in just over a year in the promotion.

Last summer, “Borz” arrived in style, picking up two wins over John Phillips and Rhys McKee in the space of just 10 days on Fight Island. A couple of months later, he boosted his UFC record to 3-0 with a 17-second knockout of middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert.

After being sidelined for over a year due to COVID-19 complications, something which led to a booking against top-three contender Leon Edwards collapsing, many wondered whether Chimaev could pick up where he left off in his return. Against Li Jingliang at UFC 267, he did that and more.

The Chechen-born Swede jumped into the rankings with a memorable first-round submission victory in which he rendered “The Leech” unconscious with a rear-naked choke.

Since his successful comeback, Khamzat Chimaev’s future has been one of the most talked about topics in the UFC. While some even called for “Borz” to be immediately accelerated to the top to challenge Kamaru Usman, UFC President Dana White suggested he needed “one or two” more wins against high-ranked contenders to earn a title shot.

It appears Chimaev could have his chance to stake his claim for a championship opportunity in January. Recent reports suggested the promotion was targeting a matchup between the newly-arrived contender and former title challenger Gilbert Burns.

Chimaev Believes Burns Would Accept The Fight

During a recent appearance on the MMA Hustle podcast, Chimaev was asked about the rumored clash, which would likely serve as a title eliminator. After expressing interest in facing “Durinho,” the 27-year-old suggested it’s down to Burns’ manager Ali Abdelaziz, who Chimaev parted ways with earlier this year.

“I don’t really know, but I’d love to fight (Burns) and we’ll see. If (his) manager Ali (Abdelaziz) says. The fighter himself, I don’t think he will refuse. The manager decides. Ali understands who I am and who he is… It seems that’s what Ali is trying to tell him, that it’s not advantageous for him. I’m number 10 and he’s number three or two. And whether (it’s) advantageous or not, I’ll get to him and to everyone anyway.” (Via translation)

If the Dominance MMA CEO does give the green light for his man to enter the Octagon with one of his former fighters, Chimaev doesn’t believe he’ll have an issue dispatching the Brazilian. In fact, the #11-ranked contender went as far as to agree with one of the podcast hosts who claimed the matchup would be easy for him.

“Yeah, of course. He’s small, not big. I’ll out-box him… No way he could go low on me. A jiu-jitsu fighter, there’s no way. I don’t think he will get me on the mat. When was the last time he managed that? Fighting is different. Jiu-jitsu is on the floor and you still have to get there.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWRuxxDpkk-/

Having fallen short of the gold at UFC 258 earlier this year, Burns would be looking to secure a second crack at dethroning Usman by halting the surge of Chimaev if the booking comes together.

After rebounding against Stephen Thompson at UFC 264, “Durinho” has made it clear he’s ready to face anyone who can get him back to the title, expect for teammate Vicente Luque, that is.

How do you think a fight between Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev would play out?

Continue Reading Khamzat Chimaev: The Gilbert Burns Fight Comes Down To His Manager at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns Claims Kamaru Usman Is The Welterweight GOAT

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns thinks his former teammate Kamaru Usman is the greatest to ever do it.

Burns and Usman fought earlier this year at UFC 258, with Usman earning the third-round TKO finish. Burns got off to a blistering start …

Gilbert Burns Kamaru Usman

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns thinks his former teammate Kamaru Usman is the greatest to ever do it.

Burns and Usman fought earlier this year at UFC 258, with Usman earning the third-round TKO finish. Burns got off to a blistering start against Usman in the opening minutes of the fight and appeared to have him hurt but gassed himself out and Usman capitalized.

Burns and Usman trained together at Sanford MMA down in south Florida before the welterweight title matchup was set. Usman then moved to train with coach Trevor Wittman and Justin Gaethje at ONX Sports in Colorado.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s podcast Trocacao Franca, Burns explained why he thinks Usman gets the nod as the greatest welterweight of all-time over Georges St-Pierre.

“St-Pierre took people down and did ground and pound, it wasn’t such convincing victory sometimes, and Kamaru is winning way more convincingly,” Burns said. “He’s already the best in my opinion, but I think he’s still missing more title defenses to end the conversation.”

“I remember landing some hard shots on Kamaru, really hard ones, feeling my hand landing flush on his head, and he kept going,” Burns continued. “I remember one head kick I landed flush, I had a bump on my shin afterward, and he kept going. I think his striking is superior to St-Pierre’s. Kamaru is on another level in wrestling, too. I think that both in their prime, I’d bet on Kamaru.”

Gilbert Burns Could Be On The Verge Of Another Title Shot

Burns rebounded nicely from his earlier loss to Usman with a unanimous decision win over Stephen Thompson at UFC 264. He’s currently listed as the second-ranked UFC welterweight contender behind Colby Covington.

Burns has recently called for a fight with rising contender Khamzat Chimaev, although there’s no word on whether or not negotiations are moving forward. Usman earned a unanimous decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 268 and will more than likely face Leon Edwards for his next defense.

Do you agree with Gilbert Burns that Kamaru Usman is the welterweight GOAT?

Continue Reading Gilbert Burns Claims Kamaru Usman Is The Welterweight GOAT at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns: It Would Take “Mayweather Money” For Me To Fight Luque

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has reiterated that he won’t accept a fight against teammate and fellow top-five Vicente Luque.

Since returning to welterweight in 2019, Burns has gone 5-1 and established himself as one of the top names in …

Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has reiterated that he won’t accept a fight against teammate and fellow top-five Vicente Luque.

Since returning to welterweight in 2019, Burns has gone 5-1 and established himself as one of the top names in the division. After victories over Alexey Kunchenko and Gunnar Nelson, “Durinho” shot into title contention with dominant 2020 wins against his compatriot Demian Maia and former 170-pound champion Tyron Woodley.

Despite knocking reigning king Kamaru Usman down in their UFC 258 title fight, the Brazilian became the first victim of the champ’s improved striking, falling to a third-round TKO.

Having immediately rebounded with a comfortable co-main event triumph over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Burns is looking to secure a second crack at dethroning “The Nigerian Nightmare” in his next outing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRLuEZ2pEu8/

UFC Tried To Book Burns vs. Luque

Unfortunately for Gilbert Burns, the logical title eliminator would see him clash with Vicente Luque, his Sanford MMA teammate and friend. Luque has been on an impressive ride to the top, with his latest success against Michael Chiesa placing him in the division’s top five.

During a recent appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, Burns revealed that the UFC approached both men’s manager Ali Abdelaziz in an attempt to match the two training partners together.

“[The long wait for a fight] is a bit frustrating, I won’t say it isn’t, but it’s part of the job,” Burns said. “The UFC said the fight to make would be Vicente and I, but since we have this partnership, it won’t happen. This brotherhood screwed us, otherwise, we would have fought already. If we had fought, No. 2 against No. 4, I’d be way up there with a win, and Vicente would be up there with a win as well. I think that’s what’s keeping us stuck, more than the other guys [in the division].” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Despite shutting the door on a fight with Luque, “Durinho” did admit that, given the current welterweight landscape, it would make a lot of sense.

“It makes sense [based on] the rankings,” Burns said. “They know we won’t fight but still asked and tried to make it happen, but we declined. Vicente was the only fight I turned down in the entire division and vice versa. Other than that, I’ve already said I’ll fight anyone.”

Reiterating just how reluctant he is to face “The Silent Assassin,” Burns suggested it would take Floyd Mayweather-level cash for the pair to collide in the Octagon.

“Only if it’s the case of them coming with Floyd Mayweather money and Vicente and I talk and get to the point of like, ‘Let’s fight just for the money.’ Only if it’s something like that,” he said. “Other than that, there’s no way. And [Mayweather money] won’t happen. Only if it’s a life-changing stuff that we talk and see we have to take it. Other than that, I think it’s very difficult.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSSiusrp1ay/

While the next steps for both men are still unconfirmed, reports suggest Burns will be the next challenge for surging star Khamzat Chimaev. After returning in style with a submission victory over Li Jingliang at UFC 267, most believe the Chechen-born Swede is one win away from a title shot. A victory over Burns would certainly secure one.

The situation is a little more unclear for Luque. With Leon Edwards set to wait for a rematch with Usman and Colby Covington eyeing up a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal, the 30-year-old is left with #7 contender Neil Magny as the highest-ranked name who’s available and who he’s yet to face.

How do you think a fight between teammates Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque would play out?

Continue Reading Gilbert Burns: It Would Take “Mayweather Money” For Me To Fight Luque at MMA News.

Gilbert Burns Insists That Kamaru Usman Is The Welterweight GOAT

Gilbert BurnsGilbert Burns is of the opinion that Kamaru Usman is the best welterweight fighter of all time and would’ve beat Georges St-Pierre in his prime. ‘Durinho’ has looked brilliant since moving up to 170lbs in 2019, picking up five wins and beating the likes of Stephen Thompson, Tyron Woodley, and Demian Maia. Burns deservedly got […]

Gilbert Burns

Gilbert Burns is of the opinion that Kamaru Usman is the best welterweight fighter of all time and would’ve beat Georges St-Pierre in his prime.

‘Durinho’ has looked brilliant since moving up to 170lbs in 2019, picking up five wins and beating the likes of Stephen Thompson, Tyron Woodley, and Demian Maia.

Burns deservedly got his shot at the welterweight strap earlier this year and started well against his former teammate, Usman, before ultimately falling to a third-round TKO defeat.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has since gone on to make two more defences of his title, knocking out Jorge Masvidal before outpointing Colby Covington over 25 minutes for his fifth successive title defence.

Gilbert Burns Believes Kamaru Usman Has Surpassed GSP

Although he still trails GSP in terms of title defences, Burns believes that Usman has already done enough to be named the welterweight GOAT.

“The way he’s dominating is way more appealing than St-Pierre’s way,” Burns said on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca. “St-Pierre took people down and did ground and pound, it wasn’t such convincing victory sometimes, and Kamaru is winning way more convincingly. He’s already the best in my opinion, but I think he’s still missing more title defenses to end the conversation.”

“I tried to take him down and couldn’t, Colby tried to take him down and couldn’t, many others tried but it’s really hard to take him down,” Burns added. “I remember landing some hard shots on Kamaru, really hard ones, feeling my hand landing flush on his head, and he kept going. I remember one head kick I landed flush, I had a bump on my shin afterwards, and he kept going. I think his striking is superior to St-Pierre’s. Kamaru is on another level in wrestling, too. I think that both in their prime, I’d bet on Kamaru.”

Do you agree with Gilbert Burns? Is Kamaru Usman the welterweight GOAT?

White Says Burns vs. Chimaev “Makes Sense” As #1-Contender Fight

Dana White has implied that the winner of Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 is likely next in line for a world title fight. A bout between Chimaev and Burns had been rumored for several weeks prior to being confirmed by Dana White last week on The Underground. And yesterday, the UFC officially…

Continue Reading White Says Burns vs. Chimaev “Makes Sense” As #1-Contender Fight at MMA News.

Dana White has implied that the winner of Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 is likely next in line for a world title fight.

A bout between Chimaev and Burns had been rumored for several weeks prior to being confirmed by Dana White last week on The Underground. And yesterday, the UFC officially announced the fight during the UFC 272 broadcast.

Burns and Chimaev will be meeting next month at UFC 273, and from the sounds of it, there could be a lot riding on the fight.

Speaking to reporters during the UFC 272 post-fight press conference, White said that it “makes sense” for the winner of Chimaev and Burns to receive a world title shot.

Burns already had a shot at Kamaru Usman last year at UFC 258, with Usman defeating his ex-teammate via TKO. Meanwhile, Chimaev has already put Usman on notice that he expects to be sharing the Octagon with him in the future.

Chimaev has yet to face even the slightest waft of adversity during his remarkable UFC start, only being hit with one significant strike in four fights. The phenom currently has a professional MMA record of 10-0.

Gilbert Burns is ranked #2 at welterweight and has won seven of his last eight fights. As a welterweight, Burns is 6-1, with each bout taking place in the UFC. The lone loss was the aforementioned one to reigning champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 last year.

If the winner does become the #1 contender, that does not necessarily mean they will challenge Kamaru Usman. This is because Usman is expected to defend against Leon Edwards this summer. In fact, should Edwards unseat Usman, the Burns/Chimaev winner may have to wait their turn after a potential Edwards/Usman rematch under this scenario.

That said, if Chimaev does to Gilbert Burns what he’s done to all others put in his path, it seems quite possible that Borz could eat up Edwards’ spot as the next challenger for Usman’s crown.

With Burns/Chimaev now 100% official, the updated UFC 273 lineup is as follows:

Featherweight Championship Bout: Alexander Volkanovski © vs. The Korean Zombie

Bantamweight Championship Bout: Aljamain Sterling © vs. Petr Yan

Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nassourdine Imavov

Irene Aldana vs. Aspen Ladd

Ian Garry vs. Darian Weeks

Chris Curtis vs. Dricus Du Plessis

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Marcin Tybura

Albert Duraev vs. Anthony Hernandez

Mickey Gall vs. Mike Malott

Pat Sabatini vs. Gavin Tucker

Julio Arce vs. Daniel Santos

Mark Madsen vs. Vinc Pichel

Kay Hansen vs. Piera Rodriguez

Who do you predict will win between Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273?

Continue Reading White Says Burns vs. Chimaev “Makes Sense” As #1-Contender Fight at MMA News.

REPORT | Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev Is In The Works For January

Gilbert BurnsA welterweight match-up between one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and top prospect, Khamzat Chiamev, is reportedly in the works for January. Front Kick Online report that talks are currently ongoing for the 170lb clash. “Talks are in fact ongoing for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, according to sources. Not done, but likely to get booked. […]

Gilbert Burns

A welterweight match-up between one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and top prospect, Khamzat Chiamev, is reportedly in the works for January.

Front Kick Online report that talks are currently ongoing for the 170lb clash.

“Talks are in fact ongoing for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, according to sources. Not done, but likely to get booked. The plan seems to be January rather than December but again, nothing signed or set in stone as of now. Developing …”

Gilbert Burns & Khazmat Chimaev Are Always Ready To Fight

Burns and Chimaev recently offered to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 269 after Jorge Masvidal withdrew from what appeared to be a number one contender’s fight. ‘Rocky’ seem set to sit out and wait for a title shot after putting together a nine-fight winning streak. As a result, it appears ‘Durinho’ and ‘Borz’ will face off against each other in a fight that will surely have a significant impact on the 170lb title picture.

Chimaev returned from a year-long layoff at UFC 267. ‘The Wolf’ faced the toughest test of his 10-fight career when he squared off against Li Jingliang in Abu Dhabi. ‘Borz’ reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting prospects in MMA when he picked up Jingliang, carried him over to the corner Dana White was sitting in, and then slammed him to the mat in that area so he could chat with the UFC president. Chimaev made the toughest test of his career to date look like a stroll in the park, submitting Jingliang in just over three minutes.

Burns wobbled Kamaru Usman early but ultimately fell to a third-round TKO defeat when he fought for the welterweight title earlier this year. The Brazilian has already begun his journey back to title contention and did so in style with a three-round decision win over long-time contender, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson at UFC 264 in July.

Do you want to see Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev?