Gilbert Burns Concerned Khamzat Chimaev Might Jump Him in Line to Fight Kamaru Usman

Gilbert Burns will face Kamaru Usman at UFC 258. The welterweight duo will headline the pay-per-view as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will defend his crown against ‘Durinho’.

This promises to be an enticing clash as Usman is set to defend his title for the 3rd time since becoming champion at UFC 235.

Khamzat Chimaev is on the rise in the 170 lbs division of the UFC as well. The Swede will fight Leon Edwards in March. Burns expressed his concern that he thought Chimaev might jump him in line and get the title shot ahead of him. The bout between him and Usman has been canceled once and Jorge Masvidal stepped in to fight Usman at UFC 251.

When asked if he was concerned that Chimaev would indeed jump him, Burns said, “That happened to my case. Before I beat Woodley, Masvidal was in the conversation to be the next one to fight for the title, and then that fight never came.

“They have all the issues of the contract with the money and when I saw that fight wasn’t done yet I just asked for my opportunity I fight him next month.

“He(Chimaev) finishes Leon words in the first round and then he asks for the title shot,” ‘Durinho’ added, “I was fearing that but I’m thankful that that didn’t happen you know those guys that helped they’re gonna fight in March So yeah, I would I was afraid of that for sure.”

Burns is currently on a 6 fight winning streak with his latest win coming over former champion Tyron Woodley. He will look to carry on his impressive run and realize the UFC gold when he steps across Usman at UFC 258.

Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman are former teammates

Burns and Usman have been training partners for a long time. Usman even had to change his camp ahead of UFC 251, as he was originally scheduled to face Burns. It will be fascinating to see how the two sparring partners cope with that.

They are both well aware of each other’s strengths as well as weaknesses. It comes down to who can use that knowledge to their advantage come fight night. Who do you think gets it done? Will we see a new champion crowned at UFC 258?