“I Know the Public Wants to See It” – UFC Critic Chael Sonnen Confidently Predicts Gilbert Burns Will Fight Belal Muhammad in the Co-Main Event of UFC 288

UFC 288 is just over a couple of weeks away and UFC president Dana White is yet to announce the new co-main event of the pay-per-view. The co-main event slot has opened the doors for many fighters who wish to get on the card and fight. However, UFC critic Chael Sonnen believes that Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad are the front runners to fill the spot on May 6.

The initial co-main event featuring a clash between Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira had to be postponed after ‘Do Bronx’ suffered an injury. He took to social media and revealed that he was injured during wrestling practice. Now, UFC 287 winner Gilbert Burns has issued a challenge to Belal Muhammad for a fight at the upcoming UFC PPV.

Chael Sonnen is confident that Belal Muhammad vs Gilbert Burns is going to happen

‘The American Gangster’ weighed in on the co-main event dilemma. He is very confident that ‘Remember the Name’ and ‘Durinho’ will clash at UFC 288. Sonnen said, “I predict for you that [Burns vs Muhammad] is the fight. I am predicting for you because I know their willingness.” He added, “I know it’s an awesome fight. I know the public wants to see it, and of course, the comment Dana made at the press conference.”

Sonnen states that there are signs that point towards a possible clash between Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad, including the fact that Dana White agreed to give ‘Durinho’ the backup role for Colby Covington’s clash with Leon Edwards down the line. He also mentions that this fight clearly appears to be a number one contender’s match for Leon Edwards’ championship belt. He said, “Gilbert and Belal are now presented with a massive opportunity, which is to compete with each other, which would appear to be a very clear number one contender’s match. It could be a featured spot.”

‘The American Gangster’ believes that short-notice fights are advantageous for fighters

Sonnen states that there are benefits to fitting an opponent on short notice. He said, “Not to mention short notice, it’s a big advantage to a lot of guys. Not having to sit and dwell and go through and plan. You can’t psych yourself up, but you damn sure can psych yourself out.”

The UFC legend also mentions that a fight on short notice is a perk, for good fighters, with a busy schedule. He adds that there is the possibility of a fight between Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad because they both want to take this opportunity.

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Seeing that both Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad are carrying momentum with wins in the previous fights, it could very well be announced as the co-main event at UFC 288. We will have to wait and see what follows.

What are your thoughts on Chael Sonnen’s prediction? Drop your comments below.

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