UFC Welterweight Gilbert Burns took to Twitter and fired back shots at Nate Diaz following comments made by the latter. ‘Durinho’ Burns was slated to contest for the 170-pound title against undisputed king Kamaru Usman at UFC 251. Just a week out from the fight the Brazilian tested positive for COVID-19 and was swiftly removed from the card.
In the hours that followed the UFC began an extensive measure to preserve the Welterweight title fight. Enter Jorge Masvidal who steps in on six-days notice to attempt dethroning ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ in Abu Dhabi.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Gilbert Burns: “Don’t talk about real.”
In light of recent events, several fighters have expressed their views on the recent situation. Nate Diaz was quick to stamp his approval on Masvidal’s last moment heroics to save the fight.
Real fights are better fights 💯
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 5, 2020
Burns was less than pleased by comments made by Stockton’s favorite son. He viewed Nate Diaz co-signing Jorge’s entry as a personal slight on his own abilities. The 2 Degree BJJ black belt went after Diaz in a direct callout.
Real? I would maul you! I will out grapple you and out box you.. and I slap you up don’t talk abt real https://t.co/O8aQ5d8uEi
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 6, 2020
There was a general conversation surrounding the validity of Burns getting a title shot in the midst of a packed division. Top contenders such as Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards have been at the forefront of title contention. Some factions within the MMA community have had heated debates as to the hierarchy for contention.
Gilbert Burns has had a rapid ascension to the very top of the division thus going under the radar to some extent. However, his recent victories are amongst some of the most crucial when it comes to entering the title picture.
He burst onto the scene when he went on to be the first man to knockout Demain Maia. The feat is more impressive when one considers that Maia has faced dangerous strikers like a prime Anderson Silva.
Additionally, Burns secured a title shot after defeating the former Welterweight Champion in Tyron Woodley. With victories over some of the most decorated names in the division’s history, denying ‘Durinho’ is a difficult task.
Although it is undeniable, that Masvidal is a bigger draw in the sport, Gilbert Burns has arguably earned his stripes. As UFC 251 heats up, questions come up regarding Burns’ immediate future post-recovery.
