Jorge Masvidal ‘should send me his tequila’ for UFC 251 payday, says Gilbert Burns

Burns, who dropped out after contracting coronavirus, feels he played major part in Masvidal getting title shot and big new contract at UFC 251
‘I got the deal done … if I didn’t say yes, that fight would never have happened on Fight Island,’ says the Brazilian

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

John Hyon Ko

Published: 11:27am, 25 Jul 2020

Why you can trust SCMP

Gilbert Burns feels he played a major part in Jorge Masvidal getting the title shot at UFC 251 on Fight Island, and subsequently the contract he desired from the promotion.

“If I didn’t say yes, that fight between Masvidal and Kamaru [Usman] would never have happened on Fight Island,” the Brazilian told SCMP MMA.

“It might have happened later but I said yes and I got the fight and I got the deal done. Three title fights, Fight Island. I had the Covid, they pulled me out, and then Masvidal came in, but I think it kind of helped to build up [UFC 251].”

“Gamebred” (35-14) took the title fight against Usman (17-1) on six days’ notice after Burns (19-3) tested positive for coronavirus during preflight checks in Las Vegas.

Even though Usman dominated the fight with his grappling en route to a unanimous decision, it’s safe to say Masvidal’s star has never shined brighter. With early pay-per-view estimates coming in at a huge 1.3 million buys, UFC president Dana White admitted Masvidal is a “big star” with his ability to move the needle undeniable.

A gift of gratitude would not go amiss, however, in the eyes of Burns.

Gilbert Burns reveals UFC’s target date for Usman title fight

“He’s supposed to send me a little thing, send me his drink, his tequila [Recuerdo Mezcal]. Send that. I will appreciate that,” Burns said, laughing.

The Brazilian contender, 34, is slowly getting back into training as his recovery continues, and has his sights set on a showdown for the welterweight title in November or December in Las Vegas.

Masvidal is also back in the gym at American Top Team, but his next move in the UFC is unclear. Leon Edwards (18-3), ranked one place above him at No 3, told SCMP MMA he would take the fight if he doesn’t get the next title shot, and “Durinho” somewhat agreed the clash makes sense to determine the next contender.

Gilbert Burns punches Tyron Woodley in their welterweight fight during UFC Fight Night.

“I kind of feel that way but Masvidal is such a big draw right now,” Burns said. “I don’t know what he wants – does he want to make another big pay cheque? I’ll go Nathan Diaz or go Conor McGregor, make those kinds of big fights.

“If he wants to fight for the title, yeah I would fight Leon Edwards. But it’s up to him, I don’t know what he wants. Leon Edwards is right there but he doesn’t control [anything]. If Masvidal wants him, Masvidal fights him. It’s not about who Leon wants, it is about who Masvidal wants. He’s not that big of a draw in that division.”

There is plenty of bad blood between the two, though, which could make financial sense. The beef hit a boiling point after UFC London in March 2019 when Masvidal hit Edwards with the infamous “three-piece and a soda”. If the fight materialises, Burns envisions Masvidal coming out on top, yet does not underestimate Britain’s “Rocky”.

“I’m not going to lie, Leon is very good, very slick. But one year without fighting,” Burns said. “Given the momentum right now, I think I would go with Masvidal because that guy is hungry.

“I might give the edge to Masvidal with the quick hands. I know Edwards likes to grapple a lot. He does like it but I think he doesn’t have the [same] strength as Kamaru.

“And I don’t think he has that much ability. I think he will try and I see Masvidal escaping and keeping the fight on the feet and doing a lot more damage than Leon Edwards.”

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