Gilbert Burns Hints at a TUF 29 Coaching Stint Against Kamaru Usman

‘The Ultimate Fighter’ is set to return with its twenty-ninth season in March 2021 after a surprising hiatus. The long-standing UFC reality show recently announced its return at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs Silva that took place on October 31. The announcement came during the broadcast and it detailed the fact that bantamweights and middleweights would be competing.

Fans of the sport have been entrenched in a fervent debate since the announcement regarding the possible coaches for TUF 29. Several marquee fighters have been mentioned in the conversation to serve as mentors for the UFC hopefuls. The fighters who end up coaching TUF receive mainstream exposure that helps to bolster their status.

TUF 29: Kamaru Usman vs Gilbert Burns?

Fans have begun debating the possibility of welterweight champion Kamaru Usman squaring off against title challenger Gilbert Burns. The two were to be the main event UFC 256 in December; however, the fight fell out. Chiefly, this opens up the door to possibly setting up a timeline for the two to coach fighters on the show.

What’s more, there seems to be some traction to this conversation as Gilbert Burns has sounded off on social media. ‘Durinho’ Burns is open to the idea of coaching young fighters and then eventually facing Usman for the belt. There is no doubt that Burns has earned his title shot, and this could be a viable option.

The welterweight division is one of the most happening weight classes in the UFC, and it has plenty of eyeballs on it. Furthermore, Kamaru Usman has made a clear statement as the division’s champion and he’s been exceptionally dominant. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has a close association with TUF as he appeared on TUF: ATT vs BlackZilians.

The fight itself that would cap off the show would definitely be an emphatic conclusion for TUF 29. The show has had its fair share of viewership issues in recent years. Chiefly, a massive welterweight title fight at the end would be good for business and the UFC could certainly entertain the option. Moreover, the return of the show has fans excited and viewership could be at an all-time high.