Finally, Gilbert Burns will have his shot at Kamaru Usman and the welterweight title. In what was a previously scheduled bout, Burns was ready to take his shot with both hands in UFC 251, however a positive COVID-19 result had things stopped in their tracks, and Burns was left without a shot or a timeline.
Fast forward to February this year, the opportunity has arrived again. An up and comer in the division, Burns has built a reputation as someone willing to risk it all, through short notice opportunities that most fighters seem less interested in taking. This attitude made him a favourite of Dana White, and earned Burns a position as the next one in line to take on Usman.
However looking back, Burns admitted to MMA Fighting last month that it was probably a blessing he didn’t fight Usman in July.
As much as he wanted to be there fighting for the welterweight title, Burns realized rather quickly on his trip back home to Florida that COVID-19 is no joke. He faced a variety of symptoms over the next couple of weeks and a month past his diagnosis, Burns said he was still feeling the after effects of the disease.
Because the coronavirus is primarily a respiratory disease, Burns stated that his cardio and conditioning definitely took the brunt of the damage once he returned to the gym after finally being cleared by doctors.
“My energy level was not normal coming back,” Burns said. “It’s a long process. I was not at 100 percent a month after testing positive.”
Meanwhile, Kamaru Usman has been on a steady upwards trajectory. Since winning his title belt and taking it off Tyron Woodley, he’s gone one to defend it successfully against rival Colby Colvington and Jorge Masvidal. Currently on a 16 fight winning streak, with a perfect 11-0 so far in his UFC career, Usman needs no introduction to anyone and is the odds on favourite to take this one too.
These two powerhouses are no strangers to each other, former teammates and training partners, the two have had over 200 rounds sparring, at least. The training relationship came to an end when Burns became an official title contender, picking up wins over Demian Maia and former champion Tyrone Woodley.
Burns recalls training with Usman fondly and won’t downplay the fact Usman was a great partner and a big help to his career.
“It was hard work for both,” Burns said. “He beat me up a couple of times; I beat him up a couple of times. It was very competitive, especially when I went up to 170. I think I was always a natural welterweight, but as soon as I moved up (from 155 pounds), I got a little bigger and then I felt even better with all the welterweights at the gym.
“But it was always good work. Kamaru was always a guy that if I saw that he was available, I was always looking to drill or to train and with him. We helped each other a lot.”
It will be a full circle moment for Burns as he steps into the ring with his old friend, to try and strip the belt from the current of-the-moment champion.
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MAIN CARD
Welterweight Title Bout
Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns
UNDER CARD
Women’s Flyweight Bout
Maycee Barber vs Alexa Grasso