“It’s Going to Be Awkward” – Gilbert Burns on a Potential Fight With Kamaru Usman

Gilbert Burns is not very far from getting in the mix for a title shot. If he racks up a win against Tyron Woodley this weekend, he will get in serious title contention. The Welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns are training partners. Hence, Burns knows that there will be a sense of awkwardness if he fights Usman.

Apart from just being training partners, Burns is also a good friend of “The Nigerian Nightmare”. A potential fight with Usman will bring with itself complications regarding their training regimes. However, “Durinho” knows he and the champ are both professionals. Therefore, if the fortunate situation arises that they have to fight each other, they will deal with it maturely.

“I’m professional. He’s professional,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “The numbers, being a No. 1 contender, being a champion – we’re talking about opportunities. I have a family. He has a family. … It’s going to be awkward because I don’t know where we’re going to train. I don’t know if one guy will have to move out to do a camp.”

“But yeah, for sure. We’re fighting. It’s on me. He’s already the champion. I’ve got to go out there and perform my best against Tyron Woodley to get the shot, but yeah, for sure we’re fighting,” Burns added.

Gilbert Burns recalls the last time he trained with Kamaru Usman

When Burns steps in to face Woodley this weekend, he could use some of the experience that Usman has. Woodley was the one Usman defeated to capture the Welterweight title last year. His experience could come in handy for Burns, who plans to produce the same result against “The Chosen One.” It was just weeks ago that Burns and Usman were sharing a practice room.

“The last time that we worked was when we sparred the week of the Jacksonville fight,” Burns said. “That Tuesday, we sparred a couple of rounds. I asked a lot of things about Tyron Woodley. We talked and he gave me a lot of great insight. I still have a great relationship with Kamaru.”

Gilbert Burns is coming off a statement victory over former title challenger Demian Maia earlier in March. After the win, he called out Colby Covington. On the other hand, Woodley had a fight scheduled with Leon Edwards in London. However, the pandemic forced the event to be canceled. Later on, the UFC decided to pair up Woodley and Burns.