Rematch? Burns Applauds ‘Great Champion’ Muhammad

Gilbert Burns is ready to return to the win column.

Brazil’s “Durinho” will need to get past his fellow Welterweight contender, Sean Brady, to get his hand raised this next time out in UFC Vegas 97’s main event this weekend (Sat., Sept. 7, 2024). For Burns, a win would snap a two-fight losing skid.

Burns, 38, was on the cusp of another UFC title shot heading into 2023 when he defeated Jorge Masvidal before he ran into Belal Muhammad. The short notice match up with “Remember the Name” didn’t go Burns’ way, losing a five-round unanimous decision. Muhammad has since captured UFC gold and with Burns looking to rebound off a follow up loss to Jack Della Maddalena, he’s happy to see a title change and hopes for a rematch.

“I want Belal to stay champion when I fight for the title, you know. That’s my goal and then get the rematch for the title,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “That would be great, so I’m Team Belal Muhammad. I want this guy to keep winning and then whenever I’m there, that’s the guy that I’m facing.”

Despite some teases of interest in a Kamaru Usman title defense, Muhammad has stuck to the notion that he’ll try and rack up as many title defenses as possible against worthy challengers. In an age of champions calling out champions, Burns respects his old adversary.

“I like that Belal is being a good champion,” Burns said. “He said he wants to face the No. 1 contender guys before thinking on moving up or fighting another champion. I like that. That was my go-to.

“Go over there, beat the No. 1 fighters, keep beating these guys and especially he needs to make that fan base,” he continued. “He needs to make the fans excited. He’s doing a great job right now the way he talks, and I think he’s going to be a great champion.”

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