Three-time World IBJJF champion Gilbert Burns intends to pursue the welterweight title after winning over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. The Brazilian dominated rounds two and three with his ground-and-pound skills.
Burns also demanded to be the backup for the Leon Edwards and Colby Covington matchup in London, with the understanding that he would be next in line to fight for the title.
“I think it’s almost a done deal Leon (Edwards) and Colby (Covington) in London, if I’m not wrong,” he said. “It’s almost a done deal, it’s just small details. I want to be a backup. I’m going to. I’m not asking. I’m demanding that I am going to because whenever they ask anytime the UFC calls asking for opponent, I say yes.”
Burns has already fought twice this year and is not willing to take any fight just to stay active. Instead, he wants to focus on winning the welterweight title and has demanded a five-round training camp in London to prepare for the next fight.
Although UFC President Dana White announced that Covington is next for Edwards’ second title defense, White was optimistic about Burns’ demands, stating that he loved the idea. However, at this point, Burns can only wait for the official announcement regarding the Covington vs Edwards fight to see what unfolds.
Burns vs Masvidal: Slippery drama
After receiving a unanimous decision as one of the best bets of the night against Masvidal, marking his second consecutive win, Burns said that he could have finished Masvidal if the American hadn’t applied lotion on his body.
During the post-fight press conference, Burns claimed that the 38-year-old didn’t pose a threat throughout the fight. He also accused Masvidal of applying skin products on his body, which made him incredibly slippery, saying that the fighter’s skin appeared bright in the highlights.
The UFC decided to ban the use of Vaseline or any oil that makes a fighter slippery after the rematch between Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn at UFC 94, but rumors suggest that some still practice this.
Burns, 36, mentioned that he attempted three takedowns, all of which he finished, unlike many high-level fighters who struggled to take down Masvidal.
However, during an interview with The MMA Hour, Masvidal denied Burns’ accusation of him using lotion or grease in their fight. Masvidal said that three commissioners were present backstage and that he has never greased in his life.
He added that maybe Burns should blame his technique for not being able to finish the fight earlier.
“Maybe I’m the sweatiest mf-er he knows, but I’ve never greased,” Masvidal said. “I’ve never put on anything in my life for forever. I’ve never done that in my life. Maybe he should blame his technique for f—king being s—tty, not being able to do anything but just hold on the ground.”
Masvidal also wanted to clarify that he never needed underhanded tactics in his 20-year MMA run. He said that he has never cheated or had a point taken away from him in his 50-something pro fights.
“I’ve never cheated,” he continued. “The referee was there, touching me constantly and breaking us up and moving us around. You’re telling me he couldn’t tell if I had grease? Ain’t no difference between that and sweating, so it’s whatever, bro.”
After his defeat to Burns, Masvidal declared his retirement from the sport at 38 years old. Masvidal has been involved in MMA since May 2003, accumulating a professional record of 35 victories and 17 defeats.
“I love you, everybody here,” Masvidal said in an interview with Joe Rogan. “Thank you, everybody, for watching. This is where I started my career. It’s been a long 20 years – 50-something fights.”
