Gilbert Burns calls for rematch against Khamzat Chimaev
Gilbert Burns has called for a rematch against undefeated UFC superstar Khamzat Chimaev. The veteran Brazilian MMA stalwart fought Chimaev in a welterweight (170-pound) matchup at UFC 273 in April 2022.
Burns lost a closely-contested fight via unanimous decision. However, their feud is far from over, with both fighters constantly jibing at one another. Presently, 'Durinho' is scheduled to fight Neil Magny in a welterweight bout at UFC 283 on January 21.
During the UFC 283 media day, Gilbert Burns discussed recent speculation regarding Khamzat Chimaev potentially moving up to the middleweight (185-pound) division. 'Borz' failed to make the welterweight limit in his last fight in September 2022. Revealing whether he'll face Chimaev at middleweight, 'Durinho' stated:
"For sure, I'll fight this guy back. We're not done. Anytime that I got a chance, we're gonna fight again for sure. It can't be on his condition. Okay, I cannot make 170 [pounds] right now. Let's say he says that. Okay, we'll meet in the middle, 178, 180."
Gilbert Burns (20-5 MMA) alluded to the fact that he has five losses, to five different fighters, on his MMA record. He noted that two of those five fighters, Rashid Magomedov and Michel Prazeres, are no longer in the UFC, so he isn't pursuing rematches against them.
Discussing the other three fighters who've beaten him -- namely Dan Hooker, Kamaru Usman, and Khamzat Chimaev -- Burns added:
"So, the other three losses are. Dan Hooker, he's a lightweight. I'm done, good guy, doing his thing. I'm not chasing that. But the other two? Yeah, I'm looking forward. That's Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev. I don't know if I'll be able to do both back. But yeah, if I could, yeah, we'll do both back."
Watch Burns discuss the topic in the video below:
When Gilbert Burns agreed to rematch Khamzat Chimaev at any weight
As indicated by Gilbert Burns' UFC 283 media day session, he seemingly wants Khamzat Chimaev to rematch him at welterweight or perhaps at a 178/180-pound catchweight. However, back in November 2022, 'Durinho' suggested that he'd fight Chimaev in a rematch at any weight.
Chimaev, who still doesn't have his next fight booked, previously demanded a fight against UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira for the upcoming UFC 283 event.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, 'Borz' claimed that if the Pereira matchup didn't materialize, he'd rematch Burns at UFC 283. Chimaev notably asserted:
"If Alex not ready to be killed, letβs go du it again in Brazil 84 kg this time."
'Durinho' responded by insinuating that he'd run it back with the Chechen-born Swedish fighter, irrespective of what weight their fight is contested at. Replying to Chimaev, Burns simply tweeted:
"Any weight @KChimaev"