To the delight of many, Gilbert Burns will be making his return to the Octagon this weekend. Following his 3-round war against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273, fans have been patiently waiting to see ‘Durinho’ again. With UFC 283 scheduled for Brazil, it was too good of an opportunity for Burns to pass up.
As such, Burns, who is ranked #5 in the welterweight rankings will now take on #12-ranked Neil Magny. According to Burns, he is quite frustrated with the matter. Following his scrap against Chimaev, Burns was promised a big fight, however, none of the top-ranked fighters agreed to fight him.
Gilbert Burns (@GilbertDurinho) wants to know "how the f*ck" Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) took his spot in the UFC rankings. š§#UFC283 | Full video: https://t.co/udSIN1icod pic.twitter.com/eonpOpvPLV
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 18, 2023
Moreover, Burns also expressed his confusion at how Belal Muhammad is now above him in the rankings. “OK, heās got a couple wins. But he never beat me. Why did he take my place? And he declined the fight when they offered we fight each other here in Rio.” Further, Burns adds, “Itās out of my control, but itās a little frustrating to me. How the f*ck did this guy pass me in the ranks? He never beat me and he doesnāt want to fight me. Why?ā
Although he realizes that Belal has done well, Burns does not understand how it is enough to pass him in the rankings. Despite his frustration on the matter, Gilbert is focused on the task at hand. For one, he is happy that Magny stepped up and called him out.
Even though many may underestimate him, Magny is a tough and durable veteran. During his time with the UFC, Magny has taken on a whole host of top welterweight contenders. As such, ‘Durinho’ will have to bring his A-game for this one.
Gilbert Burns’ New Hairstyle – Fan Reactions!
Notably, a lot of fans were intrigued by Burn’s appearance during the media day. Sporting black overalls and a brand new afro hairdo, some fans felt as though Gilbert had just grown 5 years younger! With a lot of buzz and responses regarding his comments on Belal Muhammad and his new hair-do, let’s take a look at what the people had to say.
Gilbert burns with an Afro is cool Af! šš¾ Iām here for it!
— Philip Rowe (@phillyfreshmma) January 19, 2023
Where he those overalls though? š
— Hayden Boggs (@HaydenBoggs_) January 19, 2023
Iām fuckin wit the new hairstyle
— holy moley (@bozoboyy) January 19, 2023
You lost a ranking for wearing overalls
— Sportologist (@SportologistWA) January 19, 2023
Gilbert looks about 15
— FG10 (@FHG10VTID) January 18, 2023
— KRITIKALMMA (@kritikalmma) January 18, 2023
I wanna know how tf Gilbert got 10 years younger
— mid (@AltLineG) January 18, 2023
Dammmm he looks young af
— Jason Tompkins (@blaaaaaah666) January 18, 2023
Why does he look like a young Bam Bam lol
— Hitman (@Hitman17234563) January 19, 2023
I like Gilbert with his mini āfro
— Tony TwoTone (@ABrokeHardHead) January 19, 2023
Currently ranked in the Top 5, Burns will be looking to raise his stocks with a definitive performance against Magny. Previously, Burns had called for a fight against Jorge Masvidal. However, with ‘Gamebred’ not accepting the fight on two occasions now, Burns might shift his attention elsewhere.
As such, fans believe that Gilbert should settle his differences with Belal instead. Stylistically, Gilbert is a very tough fight for Muhammad but with an 8-fight win streak under his belt, things could be very different. Thus, fans will be wanting to see that matchup next, should Burns beat Magny.
Who do you think Gilbert Burns should fight next? Where does he rank among the top welterweights in your opinion? Will he get his fight against Belal Muhammad? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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