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Jorge Masvidal will return to the octagon against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 after over a year of inactivity. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier shared that he believes the No.11-ranked welterweight may be in a must-win situation.
Speaking on his podcast, DC & RC, the former double champion stated:
"Masvidal is fighting Gilbert Burns in a situation where he's No.11, he's a five to one underdog and if he wins, he exceeds expectations. If he doesn't, it's kind of something that's supposed to happen. I think that's why for so long he was hesitant to take this fight... It's must win. There is no doubt about it."
Cormier continued:
"There's still going to be some star quality to him, but you win or you go back to that place from prior... You're not fighting the Colby Covington's and the Kamaru Usman's and the Gilbert Burns's of the world because we only get so many opportunities to stand beside or amongst the greatest in the world so for Jorge, man, he's got to get it done."
Cormier claimed that the bout will be a tough task for Masvidal and that if he loses, the direction of his career becomes unclear. A victory over Burns, however, could help Masvidal re-enter the welterweight title picture, particularly if Leon Edwards successfully defends his belt against Kamaru Usman at UFC 285.
Watch Daniel Cormier discuss Jorge Masvidal's upcoming bout with Gilbert Burns below (starting at the 18:34 mark):
Jorge Masvidal unwilling to put 'BMF' title on the line against Gilbert Burns
Jorge Masvidal was awarded the symbolic 'BMF' title after defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Gilbert Burns, who will face the No.11-ranked welterweight at UFC 287, took to Twitter to call for UFC President Dana White to put the belt on the line, stating:
"Come on @danawhite April 8 has to be 5 rounds! Put that belt on the line! Everybody knows it’s only one guy in the @ufc that fights ANYONE! #ufc287"
Masvidal responded to the request during an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, stating:
"If they pay me BMF money, but UFC ain't going to up the money, so, sorry Gilbert. I already got my contract, man. I already signed my s**t. I could give a f**k less... Three rounds is more than I need for Gilbert. I like all the publicity and the extras he's putting into it, and all that other stuff, but, bro, three rounds is all I need for his a**."
Each of Masvidal's opponents since his UFC 244 victory have called for an opportunity to win the symbolic belt. UFC President Dana White has noted that the belt was a one-time thing and will not be put on the line in the future.
Check out Gilbert Burns' tweet and Jorge Masvidal's response below:
