It looks like we finally have a date for the much-awaited title match between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns for the UFC welterweight championship. Burns was scheduled to take on Usman for the welterweight strap at UFC 256. However, the bout fell apart after Usman pulled out of the fight owing to less preparation time. The “Nightmare” is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal back at UFC 251. Earlier, Usman and Burns were scheduled to headline the PPV. However, Masvidal had to step in on quick notice after the Brazilian fighter tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.
Now, it looks like we could finally witness Usman vs Burns at UFC 258. According to Combate, both Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns have come to a verbal agreement to headline UFC 258 on February 13 next year. Usman has also fully healed from a knee injury that he suffered in the lead-up to the fight.
UFC 258 will mark the second PPV of 2021 with Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier set to headline UFC 257 scheduled to open the year. There has been no confirmation about the location for UFC 258, however, Abu Dhabi is a likely possibility.
Who has the edge in Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns?
Kamaru Usman is as good as it gets. With notable wins over Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, Tyron Woodley, Leon Edwards among others, Usman has cemented himself as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
On the other side, Gilbert Burns has quickly risen to the top of the welterweight division. The former lightweight contender wasted no time in 2020 as he raked in multiple back to back wins over credible opponents in the form of Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley.
Burns carry huge power in his hands and has a solid BJJ background to compliment his skills on the ground. Simply put, Gilbert Burns is one of the most all-rounded fighters in the division right now. It will be exciting to see Usman’s approach against a dangerous striker and a seasoned grappler in the form of Durinho Burns.
The announcement has not been made official by the UFC. Combate reports the potential match-up with news coming from sources close to the company.
Also Read I
- Tony Ferguson Calls Conor McGregor a “Coward”
- Floyd Mayweather Trashes Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao
- Jon Jones Trashes Daniel Cormier – Reveals Why He is Not in the GOAT Conversation
Discussion about this post