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Gilbert Burns doesn’t believe Belal Muhammad should have passed him in the UFC rankings.
The UFC welterweight division has stalled over the past few years, with the rankings barely moving. Muhammad is starting to break that streak after finishing Sean Brady at UFC 280. ‘Remember The Name’ was promoted to the number five ranked welterweight, which Burns previously held.
During the UFC 283 media day, Burns was asked about being frustrated with the welterweight division. He responded by saying:
“It never move, and I got frustrated with that too. I’m over it already. Like I said, I’m focused on Neil Magny, but how the heck does Belal Muhammad beat Sean Brady, I have nothing to do with that. He passes me on the ranks. I got it, ok, he got a couple of wins, but he never beat me. Why he took my place? And he declined the fight when they offered him.”
Muhammad’s win against Brady extended his unbeaten streak to nine fights. Meanwhile, ‘Durinho’ last appeared in a fight-of-the-year candidate against Khamzat Chimaev, losing by a unanimous decision. The Brazilian now has an opportunity to bounce back against Neil Magny at UFC 283.
Watch Gilbert Burns at the UFC 283 media day below:
Gilbert Burns isn’t underestimating Neil Magny at UFC 283
Gilbert Burns called out every ranked fighter ahead of him, and no one responded. When in doubt, call the winningest fighter in welterweight history, Neil Magny, who always accepts any fight offered. During the UFC 283 media day, Burns was asked about potentially overlooking Magny. ‘Durinho’ had this to say:
“I’m not overlooking him, for sure… There’s no next. I can say next is Colby [Covington], next is this guy, but if I lose to Neil Magny, then I’m four steps behind. I’m focused on this guy… I’m not overlooking this guy. I’m not passing Neil Magny for sure. I think he’s very tough. I give him all the credit. I’m thankful that he stepped up and he’s here in Brazil, but I’m ready for a war if I have to go to.”
Magny tends to be undervalued as a title challenger, but the 35-year-old secured an impressive win against Daniel Rodriguez last time out. Although the American is looking to build his momentum, Burns is motivated to win at UFC 283 and get a big-money fight next.
