Gilbert Burns wasn’t 100 percent happy with his latest win.
The welterweight contender stopped longtime standout and two-time UFC title challenger Demian Maia in the co-main event of Saturday’s on ESPN+ 28 event in Brasilia, Brazil. But despite the impressive performance in a first-round finish over a big name, Burns (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) admitted it was hard defeating someone he admires.
“It was so emotional. I have so much respect for the guy,” Burns said during the post-fight show on ESPN+. “When he was hurt, I wanted to stop already. But the referee didn’t stop it, so I kept going. I felt a little (bad) that I beat up a guy that I always idolized, and there was something deep inside that was like, ‘Ahhh.’ But I have to do what I have to do.”
The 42-year-old Maia is revered by many fans and fighters in both the MMA and jiu-jitsu world given his lengthy career, achievements and attitude toward the sport.
Burns caught Maia with a clean left hook early in the first round and dropped him to the canvas. It was then that Burns took a brief pause, thinking the fight was over. But with no stoppage from the referee, Burns had no option but to follow up with strikes.
“Henry (Hooft) said it: ‘Going to throw the left, just block, counter, the left hook, and he’s not going to see it. Don’t throw it hard – don’t load it. Just throw it super fast,’” Burns said. “And that’s what I did. The way he landed on his head, I didn’t want to keep going. But I looked at the referee and he said nothing, so I said, ‘OK, this is business.’”
Burns holds the finish over Maia in high regard. He entered UFC Brasilia at No. 12 in the UFC’s official welterweight rankings and thinks he leaves the event as a top-five contender in the division.
“Nobody has (stopped Maia),” Burns said. “Anderson Silva didn’t do it, Tyron Woodley – all these great guys couldn’t do it. And then I came in there and didn’t even need one round.
“I think I put myself top five in the contenders right now. I’m looking forward to see Colby Covington next.”
For his next UFC bout, Burns wants to get his hands on Covington, who challenged champion Kamaru Usman this past December. He said he’s willing to fight Covington anywhere.
“Anywhere. I don’t think he’ll come to Brazil. I don’t think he’s got those – (he’s) just a big talker. I don’t think he’ll back it up.” Burns said. “But I’m looking for him. I’m going to get you in Florida, U.S., anywhere. You’re next. You talk so much (expletive) about Brazil, and I’m coming for you.”
Gilbert Burns' mixed feelings beating idol Demian Maia: 'When he was hurt, I wanted to stop'
