With negotiations between UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and “BMF” champion Jorge Masvidal seemingly hitting a stand-still, the promotion’s next 170-pound title contender is uncertain.
The top of the UFC welterweight division is clouded, but UFC president Dana White thinks Gilbert Burns may have provided some clarity with his dominant unanimous decision victory over former champ Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC on ESPN 9 this past weekend.
In a recent interview on Jackass star Steve-O’s podcast “Steve-O’s Wild Ride!”, White revealed that Burns (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) may be the next in line for a title shot. White openly admired Burns’ willingness to compete and fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
“You got Colby Covington, you got Jorge Masvidal, you got Leon Edwards and now obviously you’ve got Gilbert Burns,” White said. “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.”
Despite having long been teammates with Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC), Burns made it clear during UFC on ESPN 9 fight week: He’s willing to fight whoever has the belt. While Usman doesn’t have a clear timetable for return, the Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC) fight was expected to take place in July before negotiations simmered.
Burns, 33, is undefeated since moving to 170 pounds. He’s defeated Alexey Kunchenko, Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, and Woodley en route to his current position.
