"It's not fair!" - Chael Sonnen explains how Gilbert Burns is in a "tough spot" even if he beats Khamzat Chimaev

Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev poster (left), Chael Sonnen (right) [Left image courtesy: @khamzat_chimaev on Instagram]

Gilbert Burns proved his mettle once again when he agreed to fight surging welterweight Khamzat Chimaev after it seemed like no one was willing to. The two will fight in a potential No.1-contender match at UFC 273.

It's official!

Khamzat Chimaev makes a huge step up against Gilbert Burns at #UFC273! https://t.co/pLlpN5BjPM

MMA veteran and analyst Chael Sonnen explained how the Brazilian might find himself in a tough spot despite winning. Per Sonnen, if Burns wins the fight, the main takeaway will be Khamzat Chimaev being hyped by the media instead of Burns' superiority and the rightful No.1 contender's spot. Additionally, Sonnen claimed 'Borz' could control the narrative by claiming he was injured going into the fight.

'The American Gangster' alluded to his own fight against Anderson Silva, where he outclassed 'The Spider' for the majority of five rounds before being submitted. After the fight, Silva revealed he had a rib injury prior to the bout. Sonnen explained how Chimaev could do something similar, saying:

"It was a one-sided beating and I was swinging the hammer, and instantly Anderson got ahead of me and he put out a story that he was hurt; his rib hurt - and they ran with it... What if Gilbert goes out there... and in what should be a glorious moment that just recognized him as the next title challenger... Chimaev comes out and says 'My rib was hurt'?"

Sonnen expressed concern over people dismissing Gilbert Burns' stake to a title shot if Khamzat Chimaev reveals an injury. Explaining what he believes 'Durinho' needs to do, he said:

"I'm just saying it's not fair! Happens all the time. It's a tough spot Gilbert's in... Gilbert does everything right, but there's one piece missing... If you are nice in this business at all times, you will get taken advantage of... Gotta be careful there, gotta make sure he gets ahead of these things. He should be calling this a No.1 contender's match... because I do feel that's true for Chimaev."

Sonnen explained how the world largely agrees that Khamzat Chimaev could earn a title shot if he beats Gilbert Burns. 'The American Gangster' opined that Gilbert Burns needs to decisively assert that this is a No.1 contender's match, regardless of opponent. The fact that 'Durinho' has lost to reigning champion Kamaru Usman once shouldn't matter, said Sonnen.

Watch Chael Sonnen speak about the subject below:

Colby Covington dismisses Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns as "journeymen and jobbers"

In an exclusive interview with James Lynch of Sportskeeda MMA, 'Chaos' was asked about the upcoming bout that could have enormous implications for the 170 lbs division. Covington dismissed the matchup by saying:

"I mean, I don't pay attention to journeymen and jobbers, to be honest. I'm worried about the biggest and best fights in the company."

Although he is the current No.1 contender at welterweight, Colby Covington has lost to the champion twice. There may be a good chance that the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns winner could fight 'Chaos' before getting their shot at Kamaru Usman.

'Chaos' is an exceptional wrestler who relies on pressure and ground control to smother his opponents. Both Chimaev and Burns have immense grappling abilities, so a potential fight between the winner and Covington would be a treat for those who enjoy high-level scrambles.

Watch Colby Covington's exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA below: