Gilbert Burns vs Kamaru Usman was to headline UFC 256 but the champion had to pull out of the clash

UFC 256 was set to be a blockbuster event with the UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman, taking on Gilbert Burns in a title clash.

Burns had been incredible since coming into the Welterweight division and this was going to be some fight.

However, Usman pulled out of the event and claimed he needed time to recover from a problem. That leaves Burns with a problem as he has been without a fight for a while.

Usman defeat Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251, however, Burns was scheduled to face the champ before he tested positive for Covid-19.

The Brazilian still has his shot at Usman but some quarters are suggesting he take up another fight and not stay inactive.

Michael Chandler was asked about all this by the Schmo, and the new UFC signing had a lot of praise for Burns:

“That is a tough one and you know, I said this to him as well and I will say it publicly. The Gilbert Burns that stepped into the cage against Tyron Woodley and put on that performance, you are going to be hard-pressed to beat that Burns.”

Wait for the shot

Chandler, a three-time Bellator Champion, also said that Burns should wait for his title shot and not waste it since chances like these don’t come easily:

“If that guy shows up, I think he can win the world title. It is hard, it is not easy to come by the UFC title fights in this game.

“If he has the opportunity to fight for the title, I say hold out but I know they have floated the name Colby Covington and a couple of different names.

“The business aspect of the fight has to be put in the forefront of your mind sometimes and you can’t just think about fighting and stepping into the cage and making a pay check.

“Gilbert is a true fighter through and through and he is a championship level fighter. I would like to see him hold off for the title because I think he can win that title.”

It will be interesting to see what happens with Burns given Covington’s recent win over Woodley. Burns is at the top of the list to fight Usman but if the champ is out for longer, we could see the Brazilian take on another contender.

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