Gilbert Burns attributes UFC 258 loss to being overzealous, hopes team can re-form

LAS VEGAS – Gilbert Burns plans to learn from his mistakes.

The UFC welterweight title challenger at UFC 258, Burns (19-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) came up short when he was defeated by champion Kamaru Usman by TKO in Round 3 of their headliner.

The finish was two rounds removed from Burns’ best offense of the fight when he stunned Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) in the opening 35 seconds. That’s when Burns made a key mistake by his estimation. With the champion wobbled, Burns took a page out of his friend and former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt’s book. He got overzealous and missed his opportunity.

“It wasn’t exactly what I wanted it to be,” Burns told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at a post-fight news conference. “I think I got overexcited. I went my guy Cody Garbrandt-crazy as soon as I hurt him. That was the second time. I think I made the same mistake when I fought Dan Hooker. I got overexcited.

“… In order to be a champion, I have to be disciplined. I have to be disciplined. I have so much respect for my guy Cody Garbrandt. I just went the same way. As soon as I saw he was hurt, (I forgot) about the strategy. I went for the kill. In order to be a champion, I cannot make those mistakes.”

Despite the non-touch of gloves prior to the start of Saturday’s fight, Burns has no ill-will toward his former teammate Usman. In fact, Burns hopes his Sanford MMA team can get back to normal after the camp was split due to the matchup.

“This is not tennis. This is not soccer. This is a fight,” Burns said. “I have a lot of respect for the guy. I’m never going to say nothing bad about him. I know his daughter, all his family. We exchanged a couple of good things. When I go to the fight, I don’t see (a) face. I just try to finish.

“… Kamaru left the team. I think they need to get that done. I don’t believe our relationship is done yet or the relationship is over. There are a couple of guys still feeling a little bit. I hope him, (coach) Henry (Hooft), and the coaches get things together – all these guys. I don’t want drama. I don’t want anything.”

Burns hopes to begin the road toward his second UFC title shot as soon as possible. Wearing some damage on his face at the post-fight news conference, Burns will go home and heal. As soon as he’s ready to return, however, he will – and he’ll take some inspiration from a former UFC welterweight champion, too.

“The way I see right now, I just want to do like Robbie Lawler,” Burns said. “He was the only guy, if I’m not wrong, (who) lost to Johny Hendricks and then just got right back in a couple weeks, fought again, and then became a champion. That’s exactly what I want to do.

“… As soon as I heal up, let’s say two or three weeks, Dana, I’m going to call you. You already know. I have so much work to do. I’m going to watch the fight right now a couple of times. I’m going to make my notes. The work doesn’t stop.”

UFC 258 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.