Gilbert Burns shrugs off NFL players' Brazil concerns as São Paulo increases security for Eagles vs. Packers: "It's not that crazy"
Gilbert Burns believes that the security concerns surrounding the upcoming Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers game in Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil are being blown out of proportion. The UFC welterweight standout, who is Brazilian himself, spoke to TMZ Sports about the developments.
While Burns is aware of São Paulo's reputation for violent crime, he claimed that the situation isn't as bad as feared by foreign media, laughing off what he believes to be overblown security measures. He said:
"Bro, I would be there if I wasn't fighting. Today, I would be there. It's not that crazy, you know? If they make you feel like it, but it's not that crazy, you know? And then those guys, they all football players. They look like Brazilian a little bit. They big, they strong, so they're not gonna have any problem there and they're going to have a lot of fun."
Moreover, Burns urged the NFL players to leave their hotel rooms and enjoy everything the city has to offer, from its food to its culture. When asked by the interviewer if there was truly nothing to worry about regarding leaving the hotel, the one-time UFC welterweight title challenger doubled down, stating:
"No way, no way. Especially when they have those big things, so lot of security out there. The UFC say the same thing, the UFC send an email, 'Don't go out.' And then when they get there, I say, 'Bro, let's come.'"
Check out Gilbert Burns talking about safety in São Paulo (0:00 and 1:20):
While Burns won't be able to attend the game due to his upcoming bout with fellow 170-pound elite Sean Brady on Saturday, fans can catch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers game later this evening at 8:15 PM E.T. (Eastern Time) / 5:15 PM P.T. (Pacific Time) on Peacock after a recent cancelation scare.
Is Gilbert Burns from São Paulo?
Although he's Brazilian, Gilbert Burns isn't from São Paulo. Instead, 'Durinho' hails from Niterói, Rio de Janeira. He has, however, fought in São Paulo before. Unfortunately, his last bout in the city was not a fond one.
On Nov. 7, 2015, 'Durinho' was undefeated at 10-0, still a lightweight, and scheduled to face Rashid Magomedov.
Check out Gilbert Burns' loss to Rashid Magomedov:
The two locked horns in São Paulo at UFC Fight Night 77 and Burns was handed a unanimous decision loss after being on the receiving end of multiple knockdowns during the bout. It was his first-ever loss as a professional, and he hasn't fought in São Paulo since.