Some fighters get the big promotional push from the UFC right of the gate. Others have to slowly force their way into the picture.
Count Gilbert Burns among the latter.
“Durinho” has been with the UFC since 2014, and has competed in the octagon on 15 occasions.
Only now, though, is he getting his just due as one of the world’s best welterweights.
Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) will get the next shot at current champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251 on July 1X in Abu Dhabi.
It took Burns a six-fight win streak to get there. And he left no doubt he’s among the very best at 170 pounds when he scored an impressive win the last time out, against former champion Tyron Woodley.
The duo squared off on May 30 in Las Vegas in the main event of UFC on ESPN 9. Burns dominated the bout for 25 minutes, and while Woodley made it to the final horn, that’s about the best thing that happened to him on the night. Burns won a unanimous decision on scores of 50-45, 50-44, and 50-44. Soon thereafter, he was awarded the shot at Usman’s belt.
Check out Burns’ title-shot clinching handiwork in the video linked above.
UFC 251 free fight: Relive Gilbert Burns' impressive win over Tyron Woodley
