Herbert Burns has a high opinion of UFC 252 opponent Daniel Pineda. In fact, he’s willing to go so far as to put him in the same sentence as UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.
Burns (11-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has said leading up to Saturday’s event, which takes place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+, that he thinks Pineda (26-13, 3-4 UFC) is a “more dangerous” opponent than Volkanovski (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC). Many would scoff at that notion, but the Brazilian competitor doubled down on his opinion during Thursday’s virtual media day.
“Daniel Pineda doesn’t go to decision,” Burns told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “He’s not a decision man. He goes there and finishes the job and doesn’t let the judges dictate the results of the fight. He always goes to for the finish. That’s why I think he’s more dangerous than Volkanovski. He’s dangerous and goes for the knockout or submission. That’s why he’s more dangerous than the champion.”
After introducing himself to the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2019, Burns has made his mark quickly. He’s picked up first-round finishes at UFC on ESPN+ 24 in January and UFC 250 in June, and now he’s primed for his third contest.
Burns said he’s feeling increasingly comfortable in the octagon, and is chasing a statement win over Pineda.
“It will be my third fight here at the (UFC) Apex and so far two submission victories here in the first round,” Burns said. “Hopefully I can keep the same thing going. … They will close the cage and it will just be me and Daniel Pineda there and it will be a war and I will be victorious.”
If Burns can push his UFC start to 3-0, he said he anticipates making a big jump in the featherweight pecking order. He said he carries the same approach for his career as his brother, Gilbert Burns, and clearly it’s been a productive mentality.
“Whoever wants to be the champion, you can’t choose your opponents,” Burns said. “That’s why I’m not going to choose opponents I’m just going to fight to the top. … I think with this victory over Pineda, a very tough opponent, I should be inside the rankings.”
Herbert Burns: UFC 252 foe Daniel Pineda 'more dangerous' than champ Alexander Volkanovski
