"I'll take my hat off if he does" - Gilbert Burns hopes to see Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz, shares doubts on why it may not happen

Khamzat Chimaev (left), Nate Diaz (center), and Gilbert Burns (right) [Images courtesy of Getty and @ gilbert_burns Instagram]

Gilbert Burns recently stated that he would tip his hat off to Nate Diaz if the Stockton native takes a fight against Khamzat Chimaev.

'Durinho' doubts if Diaz will take the bout. The 37-year-old has only one fight left on his UFC contract. The Brazilian feels Diaz would like to go out on a winning note, and the chances of that happening are slim to none if he fights 'Borz'.

However, Burns stated in a recent interview with John Morgan of MMA Underground that Diaz will earn everyone's respect if he fights Chimaev:

"To be honest, I hope it happens. Then Khamzat's popularity would just go through the roof. I don't think it's gonna happen. I think... last fight in the UFC contract, he wants to get out with a win. I don't think that's a possibility against Khamzat. I think the UFC might be pushing, I don't think [that he] would take that fight. That's a very hard fight for Nate. If he's smart enough, I don't think he'll take it. But, if he takes, he's gonna earn everyone's respect even more. We'll see. I don't think he's taking but I'll take my hat off if he does."

Watch Gilbert Burns talk about Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz:

A recently leaked image from the UFC's matchmaking room revealed that the organization is planning Chimaev vs. Diaz for the co-main event at UFC 276 in July. Fans have been speculating about the fight ever since. However, there has been no official word from the promotion yet.

Enhance.. 🧐

A sneak peak at the UFC matchmaking?

📸 @thepivot https://t.co/Ru395GP8Mg

Gilbert Burns eyeing a fight against Jorge Masvidal next

Gilbert Burns recently called out Jorge Masvidal for a fight via social media. The No.4-ranked fighter is coming off a razor-close decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in his last fight at UFC 273.

Masvidal, on the other hand, was on the wrong end of a lopsided decision against Colby Covington at UFC 274. 'Gamebred' currently sits at the No.8 spot in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Sounds good to me. Let’s see twitter.com/gilbertdurinho…

The duo seem to be on board with the fight. Fans can expect a barnburner if and when the two collide.