“Why Should I Fight” – Gilbert Burns Makes an Agitated Statement After Cancelation of UFC 256 Main Event

Gilbert Burns is willing to wait for an extended period before he finally gets his title shot.

With a win over Tyron Woodley (former welterweight champion), Burns put himself in the number one contender’s spot for Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title.

He was scheduled to fight Usman in Abu Dhabi at UFC 251. But before Burns boarded the flight, he tested positive for COVID-19, derailing his entire plan. He was taken off the fight card and Jorge Masvidal stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the main event.

On a week’s notice, Masvidal took the dangerous fight and lost as Kamaru Usman retained his title, taking his UFC record to 17-1.

Ariel Helwani recently announced on Twitter that the fight between Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman will not be happening this year, as Usman needs more time before he’s ready to step back inside the octagon.

So now that Burns is ready, and Usman isn’t willing to fight, Ariel Helwani once again took to Twitter to suggest a fight Burns can pick up in the meantime.

He wrote, “Just thought of something: If Usman x Burns isn’t happening this year … why not Leon Edwards vs. Burns in a No. 1 contender fight? Only fair, no? Surely, Burns doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines for 7+ months, right?

Gilbert Burns is willing to wait for Kamaru Usman

Burns was quick to respond and shut down this idea. He said he has already secured the number one contender’s position and is willing to wait for his title shot.

“I’m already the number contender, I’m waiting for a title shot. Why should I fight to be a number 1 contender again? You really think that or just hating on Ali again?”

It seems like Burns will be out of action for 7 months at least, and that isn’t something the UFC will like. Leon Edwards has worked his way up the roster and sits at the #3 position in the welterweight division. He is also on an eight-fight winning streak and is looking for a fitting opponent.

What do you think of Gilbert Burns’ decision to wait for Kamaru Usman?