Gilbert Burns certainly wanted to fight Jorge Masvidal in his next UFC outing, but after months of back and forth, he’s moving on.
“It was because he mentioned my name several times in interviews,” Burns stated backstage at UFC 282. “He said he was going to do one more fight this year, and I was like, OK, it’s happening.
“But then, s***, it took so long. He was keeping me going, according to my perspective. “Oh, later,” he said, and then I was still waiting to see the fight. It’s going to be a tough fight. I’m coming to him from three defeats. If he wins, it will be a great reward. However, it is a huge risk. .”
Burns was one opponent Masvidal welcomed for a return following a trio of losses in bouts against ex-champ Kamaru Usman and, most recently, Colby Covington. Burns, in response, gave the thumbs up and even offered a no-takedown sweetener. Burns then waited while the rest of the world watched.
After several months of waiting, Burns got frustrated and accused Masvidal of turning down multiple fights, prompting a fiery response from the two-time title challenger. Masvidal said he had never been offered a fight Burns. The Brazilian vet is sure that at least on his end, there was an offer.
“He was lying, for sure, or Hunter and the UFC were lying,” Burns said. “I don’t believe they were. They offered Jorge. “You would like to fight Jorge?” was their question. “You want to fight Jorge in MSG?” You’re aware of what I mean. I said, ‘For sure.’ And then after that, they said, ‘He’s not ready. We can make it Dec. 10.’ I said yes.
“And after that, Jorge told us, ‘He’s going to fight you in Brazil.’ And I said, ‘No, he didn’t say that.’ [They said], ‘No, he said that.’ I said, ‘Well s***.’ Then after a little bit, the fight’s off the table, we’re going to fight another guy in Brazil. Neil Magny was .”
, while a few others declined.
At UFC 283, Burns will get on with his career by facing Magny at the Jan. 21 pay-per-view event in Rio de Janeiro. It’s his first bout since a “Fight of the Year” meeting with Khamzat Chimaev ended in a decision loss. But he is resolved to get his career back on track.
A Masvidal win would undoubtedly give that a kickstart, which is why Burns agreed to it in the first place. Racking up wins is the other way to get back to a title shot, so “Durinho” see another path.
” I know I won’t be following Jorge, but I will chase another fight very quickly,” Burns stated. “I will not pass over Neil Magny. I can’t make the same mistake twice. This guy is going to be my last man in Rio. I am looking for another. This is the objective – three finish, three wins and another title shot .”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/15/23508395/gilbert-burns-either-jorge-masvidal-or-ufc-lying-about-fight-offer?rand=96749
