Last month, Gilbert Burns scored the biggest victory of his career thus far by getting a unanimous decision win over former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley. However, the 33-year-old didn’t just beat the former 170-pound champ, he essentially dominated the five-round contest.
Burns is now ranked as the top contender of the welterweight division, and with the current issue between Jorge Masvidal and Dana White still ongoing, a match-up between Burns and Usman may happen instead. The Brazilian is making it clear that he’s ready to go one-on-one against the reigning champion, even stating that he’s open to fighting in July at UFC 251:
“We’re waiting for the UFC’s decision,” Burns said to MMA Fighting. “I volunteered to fight for the UFC title in July if they want. I know UFC 251 is on July 11, and I volunteered for it. If they want it, I’ll fight for the belt on the 11th, or I can fight the No. 2 or No. 3 [fighter] in the rankings, whoever the UFC wants. I’ve already volunteered, and I will honor that. When I volunteer for a date, I make sure I’m ready for it in case something happens. I’ll get back to the gym on Monday.”
While not officially set, Dana White has spoken highly about Burns and recently indicated that he’ll likely be the next man to receive a title shot against Usman:
“You got Colby Covington, you got Jorge Masvidal, you got Leon Edwards and now obviously you’ve got Gilbert Burns,” White said on Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast (transcript courtesy of MMA Junkie). “The reality is, we’re going to reach out tomorrow and say: ‘Who wants the next fight? Who wants this fight? Who is ready to go? Who wants to fight Usman?’ If it’s Masvidal, Edwards or Burns. Burns told me that night, ‘Let’s turn this (expletive) right round, I’ll fight Usman now. I’m ready.’ I love that kind of (expletive). When you’re that guy, it’s highly likely you’re getting that (expletive) fight.”
Even if Usman gets a different challenger for the championship in July, Burns is willing to fight Colby Covington or Leon Edwards next:
“I want to fight – I evolve when I’m fighting,” said Burns. “My preference, of course, is to fight for the belt. That’s the fight I want, but I don’t rule out (other) fight. In case they book Kamaru against Masvisal, you can be sure I’ll be fighting Colby or Leon. But fighting for the belt is my preference, of course.”