Gilbert Burns questioned Belal Muhammad’s standing in the welterweight division, and in return, Belal Muhammad gave his response to Burns in a short tweet.
Gilbert Burns returned to the octagon after a nine-month absence and defeated Neil Magny in less than five minutes in Rio de Janeiro’s Jeunesse Arena yesterday. However, prior to the fight, Burns took a shot at Belal Muhammad for not fighting him in the UFC 283.
“The fight was even offered to Belal Muhammad. That was the fight the UFC wanted to make, but he was one of these guys – ‘Oh, I’ll fight him, but not in Brazil, not right now, not on that date,’ and Neil Magny stepped up and he took the fight.” said Burns.
Gilbert Burns made it look easy!!! #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/SVn2sRIaqG
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) January 22, 2023
Gilbert, the number six welterweight fighter in the rankings, made his UFC debut in 2014, and after ten years, his record is 13-5. On the other hand, Belal is currently ranked fourth and has a record of 12-3. The Brazilian voiced his skepticism regarding Belal’s ability to take his rank without first defeating him.
“He was offered to fight in Brazil, and he turned it down. Crazy because he got my place in the rankings without beating me. When the fight was offered, he declined it. That’s another story. But yeah, we might see each other soon.” Burns added.
Gilbert Burns (@GilbertDurinho) wants to know "how the f*ck" Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) took his spot in the UFC rankings. 🧐#UFC283 | Full video: https://t.co/udSIN1icod pic.twitter.com/eonpOpvPLV
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 18, 2023
‘Remember The Name’ defeated Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Sean Brady in his last three fights to move up to fourth place in the rankings, with all three fighters ranked in the top ten. In contrast, Durinho’s most recent defeat came at the hands of No. 3 Khamzat Chimaev and his most recent victory came against No. 15 Neil Magny.
“Lol because [you] have one ranked win and I have four. And [you] begged for Masvidal fight for the last seven months.” Belal tweeted.
I know Belal Muhammad called out Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev for his next fight. But I think Gilbert Burns is more likely since Dana wants Covington vs Chimaev next.
Who would you have in a possible Muhammad vs Burns fight? pic.twitter.com/LkjuOgOceA
— runningmma (@runningmma) April 18, 2022
It’s unclear whether Belal will face Burns anytime soon. However, after Gilbert defeated Magny, he promptly challenged number five Colby Covington to a fight.
