UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is the man Gilbert Burns is rooting for in the immediate long run. Burns will look to end a two-fight losing streak against Sean Brady in the main event of UFC Vegas 97. The fight takes place at UFC Apex on Saturday. For both their shared history and self-preservation goals, Burns opts to ‘Remember the Name.’
Gilbert Burns’ two losses came to Muhammad at UFC 288, followed by an upset knockout loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299. Shavkat ‘Nomad’ Rakhmonov has been instigating lengthy barbs with the champion for a while. Rakhmonov and Burns are teammates. Nevertheless, he still roots for the Palestinian-American to remain the champion.
I want Belal to stay champion when I fight for the title, you know. That’s my goal and then get the rematch for the title, …That would be great, so I’m Team Belal Muhammad. I want this guy to keep winning and then whenever I’m there, that’s the guy that I’m facing.
Gilbert Burns to Mike Bohn for MMAJunkie
Gilbert Burns was full of praise for Belal Muhammad’s willingness to be active and take on the next legitimate contender. ‘Durinho’ even bills it as his go-to model of operation. He is hoping that a win at UFC Vegas 97 next reinsert him again in the title shot talks someday soon. Fighting and winning against Muhammad will be a good set goal.
Burns’ last title venture was the UFC 258 headliner against former five-time defending champion Kamaru Usman. Currently No. 6 in the athlete listings, he has names like Colby Covington, Usman, and Della Maddalena ahead to take care of if he can get a win soon. Burns is subsequently ready to sport a similar mindset not just for Belal Muhammad but for anyone and everyone.
Gilbert Burns has no issue even fighting teammates en route to title
Gilbert Burns heads into Saturday’s UFC Vegas 97 main event healthy and in full charge. Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) hasn’t seen action since March. Fighting three times in four months in early 2023, he’s only competed once in the last 24 months. Now, ‘Durinho’ is back in the right frame of mind. As such, Burns is willing to take anyone on to prove he still belongs in that top-five spot at welterweight.
Gilbert Burns is ready for any challenge (Source: Instagram)Sitting on the first losing streak of his career, the former UFC title challenger is keen on rectification. This includes an eventual rematch with the champion Belal Muhammad. Hence, the UFC welterweight standout does not mind even facing teammates for the ultimate prize.
The best scenario would be to beat Sean Brady, finish it quick…beat Kamaru, and beat whoever is the champion, Shavkat, I don’t care…We know we’ll fight each other. We don’t care. It’s not bad blood, honestly. We train. We make each other better, but everyone wants to be the best.
Gilbert Burns on the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast
This was evident when he challenged Kill Cliff FC teammate Usman for the 170-pound title. The build-up was oftentimes intense and out of pocket. However, Burns and Usman resumed their friendship. It’s just business, Burns explains. Several of his current and former training partners are also ranked in the top 10 of the UFC’s welterweight division. So, he is taking lofty stances ahead.
