Gilbert Burns could be next in line for the welterweight title shot after surging up to the recent UFC rankings.
The streaking Brazilian fighter remained undefeated in six consecutive fights after dominating former champion Tyron Woodley in their main event clash at UFC on ESPN 9 in Las Vegas last weekend.
Shortly after the unanimous decision win, Burns has expressed his interest to fight his training partner and reigning welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.
“I’m very happy. I knew I could do it. I was calling these guys out for a reason. Not bad for a jiu-jitsu guy. I love the champ, my training partner Kamaru Usman but give me a shot,” he said afterwards.
“Dana White, Hunter [Campbell], Sean Shelby, Kamaru, I want to fight for the title. A lot of love, a lot of respect for you but I think I’m next. I’m right there. I can fight in July. I want to fight for the title.”
Wow! What a performance! Gilbert Burns beats Tyron Woodley via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44 x2). #UFCVegas pic.twitter.com/s2SbsFOecw
— MMA Latest (@MMALatestNws) May 31, 2020
Top Spot
Now on a six-fight winning streak and 4-0 since returning to 170 pounds last year, Burns has become the top welterweight contender in the official UFC rankings, moving up five spots from his previous rank. Check out the list below:
WELTERWEIGHT RANKINGS (as of June 2, 2020):
Champion: Kamaru Usman
1. Gilbert Burns +5
2. Colby Covington
3. Jorge Masvidal
4. Tyron Woodley -3
5. Leon Edwards -1
6. Stephen Thompson -1
7. Demian Maia
8. Michael Chiesa
9. Rafael dos Anjos
10. Nate Diaz
11. Geoff Neal
12. Robbie Lawler
13. Vicente Luque
14. Anthony Pettis +1
15. Conor McGregor -1
https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1266940301932822528
Usman Vs Burns
‘BMF’ champ Jorge Masvidal has been regarded as the strongest candidate for the next crack at the welterweight belt, following three massive wins last year.
But with the Miami, Florida native calling for a rematch against Nate Diaz, it looks like the UFC has found the next dance partner for ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’
According to UFC president Dana White, Burns is ‘highly likely’ to become Usman’s next challenger.
“You got Colby Covington, you got Jorge Masvidal, you got Leon Edwards and now obviously you’ve got Gilbert Burns,” White said in a recent episode of Wild Ride! With Steve-O.
“The reality is, we’re going to reach out tomorrow and say: ‘Who wants the next fight? Who wants this fight? Who is ready to go? Who wants to fight Usman?’ If it’s Masvidal, Edwards or Burns.”
“Burns told me that night, ‘Let’s turn this (expletive) right round, I’ll fight Usman now. I’m ready.’ I love that kind of (expletive). When you’re that guy, it’s highly likely you’re getting that (expletive) fight.”
Gilbert Burns Wants UFC Title Shot vs. Kamaru Usman After Win over Tyron Woodley https://t.co/2Y2BiknCN4 #BNTMISC #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/O5Je1xPUVl
— JPDAILYSPORTS (@JCPGATA) May 31, 2020
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ UFC and Kamaru Usman)