Gilbert Burns is out of the UFC 251 main event. However, as the top-ranked contender, he will be keeping a close eye on proceedings whilst under quarantine. ‘Durinho’ tested positive in the first round of tests just before the UFC 251 competitors boarded the plane to Abu Dhabi. As a result, neither he nor Kamaru Usman stepped on the flight. However, the UFC was extremely eager to give fans a triple championship card. Hence they called in Jorge Masvidal and even offered him something close to what he feels he is worth.
Now with the new fight in place, fans and fighters alike are zeroing in on their pick to leave Abu Dhabi with the belt. In a chat with Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, Gilbert Burns has revealed who he is backing to emerge as the winner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gilbert Burns is backing Kamaru Usman at UFC 251
The Brazilian fighter said, “I want Kamaru to win. First of all, because I kind of like the guy. He was, he is not anymore, but he used to be my training partner. So for sure, I’ve got Kamaru.”
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ left his long time gym late last month. He made the move as he opined that he needed individual attention at this point in his career. The reason also could be because his challenger honed his skills at the very gym itself.
Now, ‘Durinho’ decided to shed light on why he doesn’t want ‘Gamebred’ to have a second belt. He said, “If Masvidal wins, things are gonna get crazy. It’s gonna be a circus in that division. He gonna fight who else,… I think he gonna fight Conor, or maybe Nate Diaz.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Conor McGregor has retired but continues to feature in the conversation for matches. Furthermore, ‘Durinho’ is not wrong in name dropping Nate Diaz as ‘Gamebred’ has hinted at this fight.
The top-ranked contender continued, “I don’t think the division is gonna run correctly, with the No. 1 and No. 2 guys fighting for the title. He’s gonna make a mess. That’s another thing why I want Kamaru to win, too. I think I will be next. But, if Masvidal wins I know it’s gonna be a mess in that division. Things are gonna get crazy.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One can’t blame ‘Durinho’ for his picks based on his last statement. He knows if Usman wins, he will be guaranteed the next shot at the gold. However, if Masvidal were to pull off a shocker (given the short notice), Burns may not be guaranteed an opportunity.
What do you make of Gilbert Burns’ pick for the UFC 251 main event?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
