Morning Report: Israel Adesanya rooting for Gilbert Burns against Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I think he can get it done’

morning-report-israel-adesanya-rooting-for-gilbert-burns-against-khamzat-jpg

Khamzat Chimaev is back in action for what will be his biggest fight to date at UFC 273 this Saturday night. Throughout his still very young UFC career, “Borz” has shown supreme confidence by letting the likes of champions Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya know that he intends to “smesh” one of them as soon as possible, if not both.

First, Gilbert Burns, a former world welterweight champion and skilled BJJ instructor, must be overcome by the native of Chechnya.

Age and experience play heavily into the Brazilian’s favor as he has 14 more fights than his undefeated 10-0 counterpart. However, that hasn’t stopped the oddsmakers from placing Chimaev as a lofty -600 favorite despite his majorly questionable competition in comparison to someone like “Durinho.”

Familiar with Chimaev’s position from an MMA perspective, Adesanya also entered the UFC on an unbeaten streak and kept it going until capturing gold. He was defeated by Jan Blachowicz in his attempt to win the title of light heavyweight. Adesanya’s performance against top competition in MMA and kickboxing is not the only thing that has stood out. This is Chimaev’s chance to make it big, but he doesn’t see it as easy.

“Definitely this is [Chimaev’s] best opponent yet,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “A guy who has been tested in there, a guy who’s a veteran, jiu-jitsu world champion, and former title challenger. I know Burns. He don’t play about it. He’s real. He is passionate about his life. I’m glad that he’s up at welterweight now because he’s a lot more better at this weight class. But Khamzat is on a roll. He beat ‘The Leech [Li Jingliang],, his last opponent. Everyone else: meh meh meh, meh

“Gilbert Burns may be good but he does get hit. Everyone gets hit, and he’s got power in his punches. You know what? Burns is my favorite. I think he can get it done.”


TOP STORIES

Adventure. Adventure.

Slander. Julianna Pena says Ronda Rousey ruined her legacy with UFC exit: ‘She’s kind of a joke in the MMA world now’

Separation. Ryan Garcia explains Canelo Alvarez rift, was ‘confused and shocked’ when Canelo questioned work ethic.

Prediction. Michael Bisping explains why he’s picking Khamzat Chimaev to defeat Gilbert Burns at UFC 273.

Comedy. Anthony Smith laughs off Jake Paul’s claim that he’d knock out Conor McGregor in MMA: ‘He’s going to get barbecued’


VIDEO STEW

The MMA Hour.

UFC 273 Embedded.

ONEX: Closer.

Adam Borics on Patricio Pitbull vs. AJ McKee.


SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

You know tattoos are permanent, right?

Stann told us.

Beautiful violence.

Sneaky.

Casey doesn’t approve.

Gotta start ’em young.

Borz art.

DC the golfer.

Nothing like a little one-punch action.


FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cory Hendricks (8-4) vs. Clinton Williams (9-5); PFL 2022 1, Apr. 20

Joaquin Buckley (14-4) vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov (24-4-1); UFC Fight Night, June 4

Kyle Daukaus (11-2) vs Roman Dolidze (13-6), UFC Fight Night, June 18

Josh Parisian (14-5) vs. Alan Baudot (8-3), UFC Fight Night, June 25


FINAL THOUGHTS

I can’t get enough of that tattoo. Thanks for reading and happy Tuesday!


EXIT POLL


If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.

Rating