“I love that,” Dana White responds to Gilbert Burns’s desire to be backup for the next Welterweight title fight

Gilbert Burns wants to be the next backup for the Welterweight Championship bout between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. Dana White responds to Burns.

“I love that,” Dana White responds to Gilbert Burns’s desire to be backup for the next Welterweight title fight

Dana White responds to Gilbert Burns's wish (Image Courtesy - Daily Star)

Former title challenger Gilbert Burns defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. The first round had a back-and-forth exchange, with Jorge Masvidal landing some good shots and leg kicks, but Burns managed to get the better of him in the final minute. However, he turned the tide in the second round with wrestling pressure and ground and pounds to win rounds two and three to ultimately win the fight.

After his victory, Gilbert Burns indicated his desire to be the next backup fighter for the title. Dana White responded to Burns in the post-fight press conference. He said, “I love that. Deal. You’ve got a deal.” Burns is a top-ranked contender with losses in the Welterweight to Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman.

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Usman is the former Champion with an incredible title run, whereas Chimaev is an undefeated fighter no longer in the Welterweight division. Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov will fight each other in the future. It makes Burns, without an opponent, the backup for the Welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.

In his post-fight interview at UFC 287, Burns indicated his desire to fight the winner of Edwards and Colby when they fight later this year for the Welterweight belt. With a convincing win over Masvidal, both Burns and Dana White are in agreement.

Related: WATCH: Gilbert Burns and family ‘hit the griddy’ celebration after retiring Jorge Masvidal

Gilbert Burns hopes to fight Colby Covington

Colby Covington
Colby Covington (Image Courtesy – MMA Underground)

Top Welterweight contender Gilbert Burns previously indicated his desire to fight the former Interim Champion. The Brazilian fighter called out to fight the winner of Leon and Edwards Colby Covington’s bout. If he wins the fight, Colby will likely face Gilbert for his title defence.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Burns said, “He’s been smart. He sits out and fights Tyron Woodley and then relax, and then he fights for the title again. He then picks another guy that’s not in his prime coming from another loss, Masvidal. Then he wins and gets another title shot. He’s been smart. I hope that one day we can get this done.”

Dana White has clarified that Colby will fight for the Welterweight title next. Burns had indicated his desire to fight Colby in a future bout. If Colby wins against Edwards, Burns will likely get his wish to fight him.

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