Gilbert Burns plans to earn his title shot with three finishes this year
Gilbert Burns plans on delivering a statement-making performance against Neil Magny at UFC 283, the first pay-per-view card of 2023. Burns, a former welterweight title challenger, is back in the hunt for gold and appears eager to make his case for the next title shot with a signature victory.
'Durinho' was last seen inside the octagon against undefeated welterweight behemoth Khamzat Chimaev. Despite losing the fight to Chimaev by unanimous decision, the Brazilian's stock has soared since he put 'Borz' through the biggest test of his MMA career so far.
With that, Burns remains a perennial threat to the welterweight crown.
Watch the full fight below:
Gilbert Burns has been persistent in his pursuit of a bout with MMA superstar Jorge Masvidal despite 'Gamebred' blowing hot and cold about a fight.
Previewing his upcoming clash and his plans for 2023 in a recent interview on the Michael Bisping Podcast, Burns stated:
"I want to get three finishes at least. I want to make a statement with this fight [vs. Neil Magny]. Magny is very tough, all due respect to the guy. I know a lot of people don't want to fight me, especially in Rio de Janeiro... I respect the guy but in [a perfect world] it would be three finishes, earning the title shot... I don't want to beg, I don't want to ask, I don't want any favors."
Catch Burns' comments below (28:45):
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Gilbert Burns feels the pressure of competing in Brazil ahead of UFC 283
The UFC returns to Brazilian soil nearly three years after their last event (UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira) on March 14, 2020, at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson sporting arena.
Glover Teixeira is expected to fight for the vacant light-heavyweight title against Jamaal Hill in the main event of UFC 283. Fellow Brazilian star Gilbert Burns seems eager to deliver another spectacular performance on his home turf against Neil Magny.
Last time around, Gilbert Burns put away Demian Maia with a first-round TKO victory in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 170 in Brazil.
Speaking to UFC.com about the upcoming fight, Gilbert Burns claimed that he feels the pressure of fighting in front of his home crowd:
"Even though you don’t feel like it, there's a lot of pressure on me to fight in Brazil. They haven’t had a UFC event in such a long time and the last time was an empty arena. Brazil lost in the World Cup and the economy has been bad."
"Not just me, but every Brazilian on the card has the pressure to win. We all come from struggles, and we all want to deliver for the fans."