This past weekend at UFC 273, Gilbert Burns (20-5) was looking to derail the biggest hype train in the promotion. That hype train is none other than the superstar known as Khamzat Chimaev (11-0).
Chimaev had ran through his first four UFC opponents and oddsmakers thought the fight on Saturday would be no different. Despite only having lost to the current champion at welterweight, nobody gave Gilbert Burns a shot.
However, Gilbert Burns believed he could beat Khamzat Chimaev and he wasn’t going to roll over. In the first round, Burns didn’t back up. He went right after Chimaev and made it known that this was going to be a fight.
Late in the first round, he got hurt badly and was almost finished. However, he made it through then he stormed back to win the second round at UFC 273. With one round to go, it was all tied on every judges scorecard.
Chimaev dominated the majority of the round with ruthless pressure and big shots. However, Burns turned things on in the final minute to make it close. It was enough though as all three judges gave the final round and the fight to Khamzat Chimaev.
What’s next after UFC 273?
Gilbert Burns won over so many fans on Saturday night. Sure, it was relatively obvious (in my mind anyway) that he lost at UFC 273, but it was the effort that he put forward and there were so many chanting his name after the fight was over.
Some might have viewed this fight as a risk for Burns considering Chimaev was ranked 11th while Burns was ranked second. However, despite getting a loss on his record, I would argue that UFC 273 was a win for Gilbert Burns in the eyes of the public.
So, what’s next for him inside the octagon? Well, I think there are a couple of options. The first, and most obvious choice, comes from this weekend’s main event. Burns’ best friend Vicente Luque is fighting Belal Muhammad.
Win or lose, Muhammad makes the most sense for Burns next in the UFC. If he wins, Muhammad will need a top five opponent, but everyone besides Burns is likely going to be booked. If he loses, he will need to bounce back just like Gilbert Burns.
The unlikely option that’s out there is Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal is also coming off of a loss and he’s still a superstar. Him and Burns would be an excellent fight, however, we know that Masvidal is dealing with legal issues after punching Colby Covington outside of a Miami restaurant.
Either way, the UFC has options and Burns will get a great fight in his next matchup.