UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns already has one fight of the year contender for 2022. Why not make it two? With himself and fellow top-ranked welterweight Jorge Masvidal coming off losses, he told MMA Fighting that a Masvidal fight “makes sense” for both of them.
““For me, what would make sense for me, is Jorge Masvidal.
Like I said multiple times, the guy’s got over 50 fights. Crazy knockouts. Remember the Ben Askren one, remember the Darren Till one. The guy just beat Nate Diaz. That’s the fight that I want.
He’s coming from two losses, but that’s to Kamaru Usman, the former pound-for-pound champion, and Colby Covington, No. 1 [ranked welterweight]. That’s the fight that I want. It’s the fight that makes sense. That’s the one that’s going to get me going, motivate me, and I still believe I can beat the guy. That’s the fight that I want next, Jorge Masvidal.
Burns Calls Out Jorge Masvidal for “No Takedown” Fight
He already showed a lot of interest in it, too. I think the UFC showed interest. I think that’s next. Just got to see when and I think we’re going to put on a hell of a show for everybody. I’m going to try to beat him up, he’s going to try to do the same, it’s going to be a crazy one.”
Jorge Masvidal is riding a three-fight losing streak, including back-to-back losses to champ Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. This has led some to write “Gamebred” off completely. Gilbert Burns is not among them.
“I’m not taking nothing away from the loss to Kamaru and the loss to Colby.
Those two guys are the highest-ranked guys in the division. I still have a ton of respect. I think he is a [bad motherf*****], and so am I. I have bad intentions coming to fight Masvidal, I think he has the same. I know he’s going to come for a finish. Why not?
BMF belt on the line here in Florida? I think a lot of people are going to tune in to watch that fight. It’s got to be five rounds. I think it’s going to be a crazy one.”
What may prove difficult is that Jorge Masvidal knows he typically fares poorly against wrestlers. Burns is an elite grappler, but he’s willing to keep the fight on the feet just to get his hands on Masvidal.
“I can sign the contract — no takedowns.
Let’s just do it. I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to putting on a show. Another crazy fight and another crazy finish and I do believe I can strike with Jorge Masvidal.
Once again, I’ve got a lot of respect for the guy. I think he’s very tough, he’s one of the BMF’s, over 50 fights, but I still believe I can knock him out.”
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