“I Believe God Has a Plan for Me” – Gilbert Burns

Gilbert Burns has successfully defeated COVID-19. The UFC welterweight shared his latest negative result on Twitter. With the medical condition behind him, Burns is aiming for a quick return to the Octagon.

‘Durinho’ was supposed to be one half of the UFC 251 headliner. However, a positive COVID-19 test forced him out of the fight. Jorge Masvidal, instead, came to the rescue and fought Kamaru Usman. Following his loss, Masvidal expressed his desire to run it back with Usman as soon as possible. However, Dana White wants to give the next shot to the original contender, Burns.

“I’m very happy with the results from the test after being quarantined for two weeks at home,” Burns said while talking to MMA Fighting. “I’m thankful and very happy I can go back to my regular routine.”

Burns also tweeted that he will be back on training tomorrow. With Usman serving a 180-days medical suspension, the UFC can aim for a title defense for Usman at the end of the year or the beginning of 2021.

Gilbert Burns can’t wait to put up a show for the fans

Apart from Burns, the only legitimate contender for a title shot can be Leon Edwards. The UFC originally went to the Brit when negotiations with Jorge Masvidal to fight against Kamaru Usman fell through. However, owing to the ongoing pandemic, Edwards didn’t accept the fight.

After Usman defeated Masvidal, there was a slight debate on who should fight for the belt next. Some argued that Burns should face-off against Edwards to decide the No. 1 contender. However, Dana White came to the rescue of Burns and ensured him that he will get the next shot at his training partner, Kamaru Usman.

“It was a hard pill to swallow, but I believe God has a plan for me,” Burns said on What the Heck podcast. “I just spoke with Dana White on Sunday and he said I’m next. He wants to see that fight: Burns vs. Usman. That’s the next fight.”

“It was all for the best. I wasn’t feeling good and that was the only reason they took that title fight from me. I can’t wait to fight for the title and give a show for the fans,” Burns added.

With COVID-19 behind him and ample time to prepare, Burns will look to capture UFC gold in his very first attempt.