“I Was Kind of Next in Line”: Gilbert Burns Reveals What UFC Had Offered Him After He Agreed to Face Belal Muhammad at the UFC 288 Co-Main Event

Ever since Charles Oliveira withdrew from the UFC 288 co-main event between him and Beneil Dariush, the matchup that would replace them has been a matter of concern. Finally, an end to all the suspense came when UFC President Dana White revealed that Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad would square off in the UFC 288 co-main event on May 6th. It was Burns who came forward for the bout. The UFC soon agreed to his demands and offered that he would get the next title shot.

The UFC boss has already mentioned that the next title challenger would be Colby Covington. However, if ‘Durinho’ won the co-main event against Muhammad, he would be the next in line. In a recent interview, the Brazilian fighter talked about his way to UFC 288 and the promise the UFC gave him for fighting in the co-main event.

Gilbert Burns opens up about UFC’s word of honor

Burns was speaking in an interview with ‘Submission Radio’. During the conversation, he detailed the pledge the UFC made to him. ‘Durinho’ said, “Whoever wins, you gonna be the next. He’s even a great opportunity for the guy too because I was kind of the next one in line, you know, after Colby and now just because he could go sit down and wait this guy might get away. Now is the best case scenario for both guys. Whoever wins takes to the title shot… ” 

He further talked about how he was preparing himself for the next bout. “We kind of gamble a little bit, but I’m in great shape like I said. I teach a lot of bad habits since November. I introduced a lot of things to my training routine, to my lifestyle and I feel great about it.” UFC 288 is going to be Burns’ third fight of the year.

READ MORE: “UFC Didn’t Want to Do It” – Lightweight Contender Reveals Beneil Dariush Accepted Short Notice Fight for UFC 288

He was able to achieve two glorious victories in his last two bouts, against Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal. These two victories have taken Burns closer to the title. If Burns wins against ‘Remember The Name’, the promotion might offer him a title shot soon.

The unexpected turn of events

Muhammad and Burns wanted to fight Covington after the bout between Oliveira and Dariush was canceled. The UFC declared Covington as the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division despite being inactive for nearly a year. Since that Covington is training hard for a title bout against the current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, both fighters stand no chance to fight ‘Chaos’ right now. Instead, they choose to fight each other so that the winner among the two can be the next title challenger after the bout between ‘Rocky’ and ‘Chaos’.

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