Gilbert Burns wants Colby Covington next: “That’s the fight that I want”
Following his TKO loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 258., UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns says he is hoping to fight Colby Covington next.
Burns was finished in the third round by Usman in a tremendous main event between former training partners. After hurting Usman early in the first round, Burns began to fade as the fight went on and Usman took over, eventually finished Burns with punches in the third. It was a tough loss for the Brazilian, who cried in the center of the Octagon after the knockout. As well, due to the damage he took in the fight, Burns has been medically suspended and will be on the sidelines for a couple of months. But he already has his next opponent in mind, and it’s Covington.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Buns said that he wants to fight Covington next and explained why it’s the right fight.
“Yes, that’s the one that I want with all my heart. That’s the fight that I asked for right after I beat Demian Maia, that’s the one that I want. I don’t know if he’s going to take it because that was clearly on my mind, after I lost to Usman, the next contender will be the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, that’s the fight that makes more sense. But then Colby said he didn’t want to fight Edwards with a bunch of excuses. But I have no excuse. That’s the fight that I want, but sometimes we don’t get what we want. But I’m hoping for any one of the top-six or top-seven guys. I’ll fight anyone. But if it’s up to me, that’s the fight to make, that’s the one that I want. In May or June, for sure I’ll be cleared. Yeah, I want Colby next, but we’ll see. It’s not up to me right now. I want to be champion, it didn’t happen. Sometimes in life, we don’t get what we want. So I want Colby, but I’m ready for Plan B as well.,” Burns said.
Despite the TKO loss to Usman, Burns maintained his top-five ranking and figures to land a big-name opponent whenever he returns to the Octagon. Covington has been most recently connected to fights against both Edwards and Jorge Masvidal, so at this point, it might be wishful thinking for Burns to land Covington in his return fight. Instead, the most realistic options might be fights against Stephen Thompson or Michael Chiesa.
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