Tag: Gilbert Burns

Leon Edwards Wants Winner Of Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal, Has History With Both

EdwardsLeon Edwards would like nothing more than to face the winner of the UFC 251 headliner taking place this weekend. Kamaru Usman defends his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal in the main event taking place Saturday in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Of course, it may have been Edwards challenging for the title himself as he […]

Edwards

Leon Edwards would like nothing more than to face the winner of the UFC 251 headliner taking place this weekend.

Kamaru Usman defends his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal in the main event taking place Saturday in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Of course, it may have been Edwards challenging for the title himself as he is on an eight-fight winning streak and appeared to be a strong contender for the shot.

However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to those plans as his UFC London fight with Tyron Woodley in March was canceled while travel restrictions prevented him from competing afterwards. For now, he is just happy the division is moving forward, but would undoubtedly like to face the winner next.

“I’m just happy that the division (has) got some movement to it,” Edwards told MMA Junkie. “For a while, it’s been stagnant and nothing was happening, so it’s good to see them fighting. I got history with both men and I’d love to fight the winner.”

Edwards Believes He Deserves Shot Over Burns

Of course, it looked like Gilbert Burns was going to get the shot as he was booked to face Usman at UFC 251 following his win over Woodley in May. However, he tested positive for COVID-19 allowing Masvidal to step in.

Edwards sympathizes with Burns, but believes he should be given precedence over the Brazilian when it comes to the next shot.

“We both lost opportunities to coronavirus,” Edwards said. “For me, I couldn’t travel because of coronavirus and that’s the only reason (Burns) got to fight Woodley. Same as the title shot: I couldn’t travel because of coronavirus and they offered me a title shot, so we both lost opportunities to the same thing. So I can’t see why they would look over me when I’ve got the most wins in the division (compared) to the champion.”

That said, “Rocky” hasn’t competed since last July and if the winner on Saturday requires a long layoff, he is open to staying active and fighting Burns.

“It depends how long we’re waiting for,” Edwards added. “If it’s a long time waiting – like (the) end of the year, or next year – then I’d rather compete. My last fight was in July when I fought RDA, so that’s almost a year. So I would like to compete and stay active.”

What do you think is next for Edwards?

Gilbert Burns Says He Would Beat Nate Diaz Up ‘Even With Corona’

BurnsGilbert Burns may end up targeting a fight with Nate Diaz soon. When Burns was given the title shot against Kamaru Usman over Jorge Masvidal, Diaz wasn’t a fan as he criticized the fight and also mocked both fighters claiming he made more than both of them. When Burns had to pull out of the […]

Burns

Gilbert Burns may end up targeting a fight with Nate Diaz soon.

When Burns was given the title shot against Kamaru Usman over Jorge Masvidal, Diaz wasn’t a fan as he criticized the fight and also mocked both fighters claiming he made more than both of them.

When Burns had to pull out of the title bout last week after testing positive for COVID-19, Masvidal stepped in which was the fight many had originally expected. Diaz voiced his approval and once again mocked Burns by claiming real fights were better were better fights.

Burns: Diaz Is A Journeyman

Burns would hit back at Diaz both times and in a recent interview, claimed he would be able to beat the Stockton native up even while having the coronavirus.

“He’s a journeyman. I think I can beat the (expletive) out of Nate Diaz any day of the week,” Burns told ESPN (via The Mac Life). “Even with corona on me, I believe I can beat Nate Diaz. I can outbox him, outgrapple him, I can slap that guy up easily.

“The guy comes out and (makes) those comments like – I’m a real fighter too, bro. I used to respect these guys a lot, but guess what? I’m a real fighter, too. You fought Conor (McGregor) on a couple of days’ notice. I fought a Russian guy, 20-0, on a couple days’ notice. It bothered me a little bit, because I’m a real fighter, too.”

While Burns will naturally be targeting a title shot when he is ready to return — and ideally hoping that Usman retains his strap — another option could certainly be Diaz. That is, if the latter is open to facing him at all.

What do you make of Burns vs. Diaz?

Gilbert Burns Slams ‘Journeyman’ Nate Diaz, Says He’d Beat Him Even With COVID-19

Gilbert Burns is doubling down on his comments aimed at Nate Diaz. Burns didn’t take too kindly to Diaz’s criticism of the initial booking of Kamaru Usman vs. ‘Durinho.” Burns was set to challenge Usman for the UFC welterweight …

Gilbert Burns is doubling down on his comments aimed at Nate Diaz. Burns didn’t take too kindly to Diaz’s criticism of the initial booking of Kamaru Usman vs. ‘Durinho.” Burns was set to challenge Usman for the UFC welterweight title on Saturday night (July 11). That plan changed when Burns tested positive for COVID-19. Jorge […]

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Gilbert Burns Blames Positive COVID-19 Test On Florida Reopening

Gilbert BurnsWelterweight contender Gilbert Burns believes Florida ending its lockdown was the reason he contracted the coronavirus and has been forced to surrender his UFC title shot. Burns was expected to face ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ on ‘Fight Island’ next weekend, July 11. Unfortunately, ‘Durinho’ and two of his team tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before they were due […]

Gilbert Burns

Welterweight contender Gilbert Burns believes Florida ending its lockdown was the reason he contracted the coronavirus and has been forced to surrender his UFC title shot.

Burns was expected to face ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ on ‘Fight Island’ next weekend, July 11. Unfortunately, ‘Durinho’ and two of his team tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before they were due to fly out the island for fight night. Jorge Masvidal has stepped in on six days’ notice to face Usman at UFC 251.

In an interview with ESPN Burns admitted he isn’t sure how he and his team caught the coronavirus but attributed it to Florida reopening, he said.

“The thing is that Florida opened up, that was the thing. In Florida, people are not wearing masks, people are everywhere walking. So I think that’s how we got it. I think the first person that got it was Kenny, a Brazilian coach. After that we got Aung La Nsang – ONE championship champion. And then, a couple of heavyweights, and then it was me. And another guy just texted me; he’s out of an LFA fight because he tested positive, too.

“I just think it’s a Florida thing. We’re not safe anywhere. We have to stay home. I believe the training is going to close … we have to close the gym a second time, wait, and get everyone tested, and then open again. I think it’s not a gym thing, I think it’s a Florida thing, because here it’s all over. The numbers are getting up, and we end up getting caught.” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

As of right now it is unclear if Burns will get the next welterweight title shot or if he will be made to fight another top contender for his chance at UFC gold.

Do you think Florida re-opening is the reason Gilbert Burns contracted COVID-19?

Gilbert Burns Explains Why He Doesn’t Want Jorge Masvidal To Win At UFC 251

Gilbert BurnsBrazilian submission specialist Gilbert Burns is hoping welterweight champion and former teammate Kamaru Usman will beat Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 on July 11 to help prevent the division from becoming a “circus”. Burns was expected to face ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ on ‘Fight Island’ next weekend, July 11. Unfortunately, ‘Durinho’ and two of his team tested […]

Gilbert Burns

Brazilian submission specialist Gilbert Burns is hoping welterweight champion and former teammate Kamaru Usman will beat Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 on July 11 to help prevent the division from becoming a “circus”.

Burns was expected to face ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ on ‘Fight Island’ next weekend, July 11. Unfortunately, ‘Durinho’ and two of his team tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before they were due to fly out the island for fight night. Therefore, he has been pulled from UFC 251 leaving Usman without an opponent.

In steps the long-time number one contender at welterweight, Masvidal who was in negotiations for a fight with Usman before things turned sour with the UFC. After winning the fight of his life against the promotion ‘Gamebred’ will now get his shot at UFC gold.

Burns told ESPN he hopes Masvidal doesn’t win at UFC 251 because he will make the welterweight division a circus if he does.

“I want Kamaru to win. First of all, because I kind of like the guy. He was, he is not anymore, he used to be my training partner. So for sure I’ve got Kamaru,” Burns said. “If Masvidal wins, things are gonna get crazy. It’s gonna be a circus in that division. I think he’s gonna fight Conor [McGregor], or maybe Nate Diaz. I don’t think the division is gonna run correctly, with the No. 1 and No. 2 guys fighting for the title. He’s gonna make a mess. That’s another thing why I want Kamaru to win, too. I think I will be next. But, if Masvidal wins I know it’s gonna be a mess in that division. Things are gonna get crazy.” (Transcribed by BJPENN.com)

While Burns believes Masvidal will fight Irish superstar Conor McGregor, the Miami native has already spoke out about who he wishes to defend his title against. ‘Street Jesus’ says he’s hoping to face either Nate Diaz or Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson next.

Do you agree with Gilbert Burns? Will Jorge Masvidal beating Kamaru Usman be bad for the welterweight division?

Gilbert Burns Thinks UFC Welterweight Division Will Become A ‘Circus’ If Jorge Masvidal Beats Kamaru Usman

Gilbert Burns believes the UFC welterweight division would be worse off with Jorge Masvidal as champion. Masvidal will be replacing Burns in the main event of UFC 251. Burns was initially set to challenge champion Kamaru Usman on Saturday night (July 1…

Gilbert Burns believes the UFC welterweight division would be worse off with Jorge Masvidal as champion. Masvidal will be replacing Burns in the main event of UFC 251. Burns was initially set to challenge champion Kamaru Usman on Saturday night (July 11) but he tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Masvidal has stepped in. […]

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