‘I’m Thankful For Kamaru’- Gilbert Burns Reflects on The Learning Curve in His Loss Against Kamaru Usman

Published 06/22/2021, 1:51 AM EDT

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns will take on Stephen Thompson in the co-main event at UFC 264 on July 10. He will look to return to winning ways after suffering a heartbreaking title fight loss against the champ Kamaru Usman at UFC 258.

The Brazilian had a good winning momentum prior to facing Usman as he had racked up six straight wins. Now, his next match against Thompson could be a title eliminator fight.

Recently, ‘Durinho’ appeared for an interview with SCMP MMA. He talked about his matchup with Thompson and what he expects from the match, and he also shed some light on his loss to Usman.

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“It doesn’t hurt anymore like it hurt in the beginning,” he said. “It hurt so much as it was my dream you know that was a dream I have been working (on) all my life… For me at the beginning it was very devastating, losing the way I lost and losing that opportunity. But then it’s part of life. You gotta learn to grow up.”

The Brazilian added, “The dream is still alive. I still wanna become a UFC champ and I am working on it… I am thankful for Kamaru and all for that journey you for all that happened that night that make me grow so much as a competitor as a fighter as a person. I am thankful and I am just gonna keep doing what I am doing.”

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How has Gilbert Burns fared recently?

Burns (19-4) has had an incredible UFC career till now. The Brazilian, prior to the loss against Usman, was riding on a fiery hot form with six straight victories.

He fought against welterweight veteran Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 170 and defeated him via an impressive first-round TKO. ‘Durinho’ next fought against the former welterweight Tyron Woodley and after showing an impressive show, he picked up a unanimous decision win at UFC on ESPN 9.

As mentioned, Burns’ last loss came against Kamaru Usman at UFC 258. The champ defeated his old training partner via TKO in round 3.

Burns would be wary of the threat posed by his next challenger, Thompson. He will hope to romp back into the title picture with an impressive show against the ‘Wonderboy’.

Who do you see prevailing in the end?

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Akshyay Mahapatra is a UFC author for EssentiallySports. He wished to combine his passion for the UFC (that he has been following since 2008) as well as his love for writing. This motivated him to enter the world of combat sports journalism.