Jorge Masvidal vs. Gilbert Burns is not a career-making fight, claims Chael Sonnen
Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns are set to face off in April in the co-main event of UFC 287. The welterweight contest will mark the return of 'Gamebred' after more than a year of inactivity against 'Durinho', who is fresh off a dominant win over Neil Magny at UFC 283.
The UFC 287 co-main event will be a battle between top welterweights Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal 🔥 https://t.co/cEDj8tBYGp
Chael Sonnen recently delved into the matchup and questioned its co-main event placement, considering Masvidal's stardom and Burns being a top-ranked contender.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Sonnen highlighted how Masvidal dropping down to the co-headlining spot could be a sign of worse things to come:
"I realize this is not a career-making fight. This is not being identified as a No.1 contender's fight. This is a potential career-ending fight. You go from title fight to main event to co-main event, you keep going down the card. Go a couple more rungs, you're packing your bags."
Watch the full video below:
Jorge Masvidal is currently on a three-fight losing streak, comprising a pair of championship losses to Kamaru Usman and a defeat to bitter rival Colby Covington.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Burns defeated No.12-ranked Neil Magny earlier this year. The Brazilian will be hoping a win over Masvidal puts him in title contention, despite 'Gamebred' now holding the No.11 spot in the division.
Daniel Cormier believes Jorge Masvidal's next fight is a "must-win"
Daniel Cormier recently claimed that Jorge Masvidal's upcoming bout against Gilbert Burns is a pivotal fight in 'Gamebred's career. Cormier believes Masvidal has to prove that he is still among the elite at welterweight if he is to have another shot at the title.
In the latest edition of DC & RC, the UFC Hall of Famer said:
"It's a must-win [for Jorge Masvidal]. There is no doubt about it... You win or you go back to that place... You're not fighting the Colby Covingtons and the Kamaru Usmans and the Gilbert Burns' of the world because we only get so many opportunities to stand beside or amongst the greatest in the world... He's got to get it done."
Watch the full episode below:
Masvidal hasn't won a fight since his victory over Nate Diaz in 2019. The BMF titleholder has a running beef with current welterweight champion Leon Edwards, who is set to defend his title against Kamaru Usman just weeks before Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns.
If Edwards and Masvidal emerge victorious in their respective bouts, a grudge match is certainly on the cards.
Leon Edwards believes Jorge Masvidal is the fight to make if the ‘BMF’ champ gets through @GilbertDurinho 👀
Who wants to see it? https://t.co/tEZSzeYyfC