Gilbert Burns, Michael Chiesa express interest in UFC main event matchup

Surging UFC welterweights Gilbert Burns and Michael Chiesa know exactly what they want to do next in the octagon.

Their interests just happen to align, as well, because Burns (17-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) and Chiesa (17-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) are keen to face off in a main-event setting later this year.

The UFC schedule remains on pause due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but both men took to social media to agree to a matchup once the fight world starts spinning again (via Twitter):

My guy @MikeMav22 stay safe! All this numbers 5 and above don’t want anything with me and you I agree that might be the next for us! I’m in for a main event after all this craziness! Let’s do it BURNS X CHIESA

You stay safe as well brother, BURNS X CHIESA is the main event the people need when this coronavirus ends. It would be an honor. Then we can finally train together after! Ossss

Given the UFC has already been forced to postpone three events (with more potentially on the way), it’s unknown where a potential Burns vs. Chiesa fight could fit into the picture, especially as a headliner.

The pairing certainly makes sense, though. Burns, No. 12 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA welterweight rankings, is coming off a high-profile win over Demian Maia at UFC on ESPN+ 28 this month. No. 13-ranked Chiesa, meanwhile, last fought in January when he topped former UFC champ Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on ESPN+ 24.