Gilbert Burns is rooting for Kamaru Usman this Saturday.
Unfortunately, the top ranked welterweight was forced to withdraw from his bout against Usman due to testing positive for the coronavirus. It didn’t take long for a replacement to be named, as Masvidal will now challenge for the UFC Welterweight title at UFC 251.
Speaking to ESPN on Monday, Burns expressed his thoughts on the possibility of Masvidal winning the prestigious belt and the Brazilian hopes that Usman leaves with the title still around his waist:
“I want Kamaru to win,” Burns said. “First of all, because I kind of like the guy. He’s not anymore, but he used to be my training partner, so for sure I got Kamaru. And if Masvidal wins, the things are gonna get crazy. It’s going to be a circus in that division. He’s going to fight who else, I don’t know, I think he wants to fight Conor (McGregor) or maybe Nate Diaz. I don’t think the division is going to run correctly, with the number one, number two guys fighting for the title. He’s going to make it a mess, so that’s another reason I want Kamaru to win.”
Masvidal has expressed interest in facing McGregor in the past, with the former UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Champion actually listing “Gamebred” as a man that he would like to step into the octagon against before he announced his retirement again.
In terms of Diaz, Masvidal has previously stated that he would give Diaz a rematch due to the way their first fight ended in November. Of course, none of these bouts are a guarantee; however, Burns feels that he’ll be on the short end of the stick if Masvidal does end up beating Usman for the belt:
“I know if Masvidal wins, things are gonna get crazy,” Burns said. “I might have to do a couple more fights. I don’t mind but for sure I’d rather fight for the title next.”
Regardless, Burns will continue to fight if Masvidal does opt to not give him a shot at the 170-pound title:
“I don’t mind to fight more” Burns concluded. “Like I said, if Masvidal wins and then he picks Nate, let’s say he picks Nate for the end of the year, I don’t care. I’m gonna fight. I’m a fighter. I’m not gonna be hiding out, waiting, ‘Oh, please give me the opportunity.’ I’m going to take the opportunity.”