Matchmaker Monday following UFC on ESPN 9
Gilbert Burns is the real deal. On Saturday night he dominated former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and now is right in the mix for a possible title shot against Kamaru Usman.
As for Woodley, who was hoping a win would have gotten him a rematch against Usman, he’ll have to start rattling off some wins if he wants to get another crack at UFC gold.
Now let’s find out what’s next for both men involved in Saturday’s main event at UFC on ESPN 9 on this Matchmaker Monday.
Gilbert Burns
Result: defeated Tyron Woodley by unanimous decision
Next: Leon Edwards
Following the biggest win of his career, Burns surprised everyone when he called out his own teammate in welterweight king Kamaru Usman. Unfortunately for Burns, I don’t see the UFC giving him a title shot next.
Training is going to be awkward on Monday 🧐
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2020
🏆 Is Usman vs Burns next? #UFCVegas pic.twitter.com/eDj21Yqy7w
Meanwhile, there’s Leon Edwards whose currently sitting in over England demanding either a title fight or a number one contenders fight. Well I think we’ve found the next title elimination fight.
I those two make the most sense given that Usman has a win over Covington and if the UFC is to book a title fight between Usman and Jorge Masvidal, that only leaves two Burns and Edwards left. Now Covington is a wild card in all of this, but given that he’s no longer with American Top Team, I would imagine he’s going to need some time to get a new gym and get situated in a new system. However, putting Covington’s issues aside, Burns and Edwards are two guys that bring new blood to the top of the division and both men are deserving of the opportunity.
Tyron Woodley
Result: lost to Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision
Next: Colby Covington
Covington and Woodley have a had feud going for awhile now. I think it’s time to do this fight once and for all.
If Covington cannot get another title fight and the UFC books Usman and Masvidal, then that leaves Covington needing a dance partner and I think Woodley fits the bill here.
Yes, Woodley is on a two-fight losing streak and he hasn’t looked good in his last two outings. However keep this in mind. He’s a former champ and there is beef between him and Covington. That fight will put up numbers with that combination, plus not to mention Covington’s mic skills can sell any fight. Put them at a press conference together and this fight will put up numbers.
If Covington isn’t Woodley’s next opponent, then Geoff Neal may sneak in for the fight, but the fight to make is Covington vs. Woodley.
