“We Could Live or Die” – UFC Star Shaken Up by Damar Hamlin Incident Makes Sincere Demands From Dana White

The UFC fighter, Gilbert Burns, puts his body on the line every time he steps into the Octagon. The Brazilian fighter, who last fought at UFC 273 in a back-and-forth match against Khamzat Chimaev, is shaken by a horrible NFL incident that happened on January 2. Notably, Damar Hamlin experienced a cardiac arrest on the field which resulted in the subsequent cancelation of the match. While ‘Durinho’ will enter the Octagon at UFC 283, after failing to land a potential fight with Jorge Masvidal, the NFL incident has put the fighter’s mind at unease. Further, the incident made the welterweight star question the facilities UFC fighters are given in comparison with football stars. Also, the submission grappler joined the likes of earlier fighters who demanded healthcare and support.

Talking to ‘MMA Fighting’, the 36-year-old acknowledged the dangers he was exposed to in the sport of MMA. However, he drew a parallel between the NFL and MMA and called MMA a ‘bit more fair’ because of the contract that fighters signed. Therefore, the fighters are aware of the opponent’s intensity, as they both belong to the same weight division.

Gilbert Burns has a sincere demand after the Damar Hamlin incident

Witnessing the incident pan out and giving thought about the future implications of similar incidents in an athlete’s life, Burns hoped MMA would get serious about healthcare. Later on, the 20-5 record holder admitted the fighters knew of the dangers and were aware of what they were doing.

Thus, the former grappling world champion said, “That feeling that we could live or die, we accept that. I go into the fight knowing I could get hurt pretty bad. But financially, we still need to get better.”

Expressing his concern about the NFL athlete’s family, the Sanford MMA team product hoped that MMA and NFL would step up and provide for the families in case something bad happens to the fighters or football players.

Thus, the Florida resident added, “I think all the big MMA organizations, the NFL, and every big contact sport should provide more for the athletes and their families.”

Read More: “How Bout 5 Rounds?”: Fans Respond as Khamzat Chimaev Publicly Shuts Down Gilbert Burns Rematch

Lastly, Burns in a pleading state asked, “Please, the owners, the big organizations have got to step up a little bit more for the mental health. And for the support for these guys for their families in case something happens.”

Gilbert Burns will face Neil Magny this Saturday, January 21 at UFC 283 at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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What do you think of these demands by Gilbert Burns? Do you also agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.