Shortly after informed sources announced the development of the fight, potential opponents made it clear that they could not come to an agreement on which weight category their fight would take place.
“Guy can’t make weight?” Burns wrote on the social media.
“You just went through training camp, made weight last week, and you don’t want to fight at a catchweight with a guy who just got off the couch in Ramadan?” Muhammad replied.
“This is a fighting game! When you call someone, you need to be a man and make weight! We’re not having friendly games here, and I’m not your friend! Make weight and we’ll fight! And don’t use your religion as an excuse that you can’t make weight! Be a professional,” retorted the Brazilian.
After that, Gilbert Burns unexpectedly turned to the former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier, inviting the Diamond to split the octagon.
“With all due respect, Dustin Poirier, I know you are a real beast! On May 6 we should fight Belal for the number one contender title, but I think we would have an amazing fight with you! Nothing but respect. UFC 288,” wrote the Brazilian fighter.
“Respect, Gilbert! I can do 170 pounds, no problem. I’m not quite in shape, but it’s a matter of money,” Poirier replied.
Recall that the UFC 288 tournament will be held on May 6 in Newark, and its main event will be the bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo.