Jorge Masvidal says 'good competitor' Gilbert Burns does not have the toughness to match him inside the octagon
Jorge Masvidal's return to the octagon will come against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. The No.11-ranked welterweight explained why he believes his opponent will be a stepping stone for him.
During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, 'Gamebred' stated:
"This chapter would be Gilbert 'The Stepping Stone' Burns. It's no diss to Gilbert because I think he's a good competitor. He comes to fight for the most part, but we've never been on the same skillset. As far as gameness goes - as far as toughness and durability and that sturdiness - he's never had it either. He gets cracked and he starts skating."
Jorge Masvidal continued:
"I know he's good in the jiu-jitsu world, but his wrestling ain't that and I've only been focusing these last six months on making sure that I could deal with these wrestlers efficiently, get to positions efficiently, not waste as much energy. I'm going to tell you that I'm going to paint my Van Gogh on Gilbert's face with elbows, knees, kicks, takedown defense, takedown offense."
Check out Jorge Masvidal's comments on Gilbert Burns below from 22:58 mark:
While Masvidal has not won a fight since defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in 2019, there is speculation that he could receive a title opportunity with a victory. The talented welterweight has not competed in over a year.
Jorge Masvidal's return: 'Gamebred' claims he will fight for the title next
Jorge Masvidal and welterweight champion Leon Edwards are not fond of one another. 'Gamebred' recently shared that if he is able to defeat Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, he will be the next to challenge 'Rocky' for the title. Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, the No.11-ranked welterweight was asked if he will face the winner of Edwards' next title defense, responding:
"No, no, no, no, no. I'm fighting Gilbert and then I'm fighting Leon. It's just - I'm telling you how that's going to play out. I just got some insider information."
Check out Jorge Masvidal's comments below from the 12:26 mark:
Masvidal and Edwards have spent much of the past four years trading words after 'Gamebred' famously punched 'Rocky' backstage following his victory over Darren Till, claiming that he gave the welterweight champion a 'three piece and a soda'. Edwards has shared that if Masvidal is able to win, he would be open to giving him a title opportunity.
Check out the 2019 backstage altercation below:
Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards exchange words and punches backstage during the ESPN+ post-show https://t.co/kYEkWxN8Io