Gilbert Burns is next.
According to UFC president Dana White, he’s keeping his promise to Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) by preserving his status as the next 170-pound title challenger. Pending bout finalization, Burns will challenge UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on Dec. 12, an event expected to be UFC 256.
ESPN confirmed the targeted booking with White on Tuesday following an initial report by TMZ.
There is no known venue for UFC 256 at this time. The card is also expected to feature a women’s featherweight title fight between champion Amanda Nunes and challenger Megan Anderson.
Shortly after the news surfaced online, Burns tweeted that he hadn’t been informed of the UFC’s plans – but was willing to fight Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) on that date.
That’s breaknews for me too! 🤣
Nothing signed! Hope I signed it soon! Dec 12 it’s a great date! https://t.co/P72azJuq37
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) September 1, 2020
In July, Burns was removed from the UFC 251 headliner vs. Usman after testing positive for COVID-19 upon check-in to one of the UFC’s four hub cities, to which fighters were flown to the event in Abu Dhabi. Burns was then replaced by “BMF” champion Jorge Masvidal.
Usman has yet to lose a fight in the UFC. After defeating Tyron Woodley to earn the welterweight belt, Usman has successfully defended his title twice. At UFC 245, Usman defeated bitter rival Colby Covington by fifth-round TKO. Then Usman defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision.
Burns, 33, currently rides a six-fight winning streak. He is undefeated since moving up to 170 pounds in August 2019, having defeated Alexey Kunchenko, Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia and most recently Woodley en route to a title shot.
