Gilbert Burns is the next challenger in line for a shot at welterweight gold. However, something or the other has been postponing his fight with Kamaru Usman this year. Burns would want to stay active and yet not risk his title shot. Consequently, he has targeted a fight with Nate Diaz that checks both the boxes.

Gilbert Burns has challenged Nate Diaz to a grappling contest. To lure in the fan-favorite Diaz for the fight, he has also laid out some money on the line. ‘Durinho’ has added that the stipulation that both the fighters should put $200,000 on the line with the winner taking all of it. He wants the fight to take place at Submission Underground.

Diaz is one of the best grapplers in the UFC. However, Burns is a World Champion gold medalist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he also won a bronze at Abu Dhabi Wrestling championships (ADCC). A 2nd-degree black belt under Rafael Barros, Burns has made use of his ground game to get the better of his opponents.

Gilbert Burns vs Kamaru Usman will take place in early 2021

The Brazilian isn’t the first major UFC name that has resorted to SUG while they don’t have a fight booked. Tony Ferguson called out Georges St-Pierre to a fight on SUG. As per Chael Sonnen, who has an association with Submission Underground, ‘GSP’ agreed to the offer. However, he couldn’t get out of Canada right now, and hence the fans were deprived of seeing both of them hit the mat.

Gilbert Burns had a sharp rise in the past year with wins over Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley. His performance earned him a title shot against his fellow teammate, and the welterweight champ, Kamaru Usman at UFC 251. However, Burns pulled out after testing positive for COVID-19. Jorge Masvidal took his place and went five rounds with the champ instead.

The UFC re-booked Burns vs Usman for UFC 256 in December. However, this time around, Usman pulled out as he wanted a bit more time for the preparation. Gilbert Burns will now keep his fingers crossed in the hope that he can finally get his shot at UFC gold in the first few months of 2021.

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