RIO DE JANEIRO – Gilbert Burns wants Colby Covington next, but his UFC 283 callout didn’t come from a place of hatred.
Despite Covington’s past comments toward the people of Brazil, Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) indicated he actually likes his targeted foe. At a post-fight news conference following his win Saturday over Neil Magny (27-9 MMA, 20-8 UFC), Burns described a recent chance encounter he had with Covington at a hotel and casino in Hollywood, Fla.
“I looked at him. I (nodded) my head and he said, ‘Come here.’ I said, ‘Oh sh*t. It’s on.’ I walked to win and … I was ready,” Burns told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “I said, ‘What’s up?’ He said, ‘Yo, I’m a huge fan, brother.’ He was super cool. I’m pretty honest right now. I don’t have to lie. He was super cool. ‘Yo, I’m a huge fan. I’m a character. I just want to make money. I appreciate you. You have a beautiful family.’ He was super cool. It was even getting weird because he was (going) for over two minutes, ‘Bro, I like what you did your last fight.’ I’m like, ‘Man, look at this guy.'”
Like or dislike is irrelevant, Burns said. At UFC 283, Burns liked and respected his opponent, Magny, and still quickly finished the fight. Motivated by dreams of title gold, Burns wants to get “his” official UFC ranking back as soon as possible after Belal Muhammad recently bumped him down to No. 5.
“I have nothing against Colby,” Burns said. “I respect what he does. I don’t agree. You do whatever you want with that, helping you make a living or do whatever you want. But I want to become a champion. I believe I will become a champion. He’s the guy holding onto that position. Or he says yes to that ‘TUF,’ or March is going to be one year since he fought (Jorge) Masvidal. Kick that guy out of the rankings – out. Give me my position back. Belal beat Sean Brady. Before that, I don’t even know who he beat. Why’s he passing me? Come on. You guys that do the rankings, this guy is ducking me and doesn’t want to fight. Colby has to say yes, or take this guy out of the rankings.”
Covington, 34, has not competed since March 2022 when he defeated rival Masvidal. After the fight, Masvidal allegedly assaulted Covington at a Miami restaurant and broke his teeth. The incident resulted in multiple felony charges for Masvidal, who still is going through court proceedings. Covington told police he suffered a brain injury as a result of the incident.
Burns, 36, moved to 7-2 with his victory Saturday. Over the past 10 months, Burns struggled to find fights. He hopes to remain active in 2023.
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns is doubling down on his post-UFC 283 callout of Colby Covington.
Burns defeated Neil Magny via first-round submission at UFC 283 on Saturday. It was his first win in nearly two years after a close loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 last year.
Burns remains a big part of the welterweight title picture, especially after Leon Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman last August. He could be one or two wins away from another title shot, depending on how the Edwards/Usman trilogy plays out.
Burns called out Covington just minutes after finishing Magny. Covington hasn’t fought since UFC 272, amidst the ongoing legal battle between himself and Jorge Masvidal.
If Covington signs off on a fight with Burns, the latter has an idea to further entice him.
Gilbert Burns Wants Colby Covington Fight, TUF Coaching Gig
In a recent tweet, Burns hinted at coaching the next TUF season with Covington.
Some wanted Covington to coach against Masvidal in the most recent season of TUF, but it didn’t come to fruition.
Covington has yet to publically respond to Burns’ callout and TUF pitch. It’s uncertain how long he’ll be sidelined as he continues to recover from his altercation with Masvidal.
Burns lost to Usman at UFC 258 in his first title shot in 2021. A win over Stephen Thompson moved Burns closer to a rematch before the defeat to Chimaev.
Burns and Covington don’t have much of a history with each other, outside of their common love for poker. Covington’s infamous roast of Brazil during a post-fight interview rubbed Burns and other Brazilians the wrong way.
Details surrounding the upcoming season of TUF have yet to be announced, opening the door to a Burns/Covington showdown in and out of the Octagon.
Gil is a very likable guy with an incredible head of hair.
Colby 50-45
Burns looking like “Honey, I Shrunk Sammy Sosa.”
He should fight then and prove it. His only win in the top 15 is Masvidal.
I’d rather see Colby fight Dustin. So he can
Extend his streak to 4-0 against American Tap Team
burns is a savage. he’s not shying away from the toughest fights. colby will be a task. but i thought magny was going to be a hard fight too.
He’s ranked number 2 in the division, makes no sense for him to fight a lightweight. The guy hasnt fought in a year, he shouldnt be in the top 5 if he isnt going to fight another welterweight.
50-44
Usman is fighting for the belt. Khamzat is a MW now. The most exciting fight for Colby now is another grudge match against Dustin
He’s a pretty dirty fighter. He hit Khamzat with 12 to 6 elbows to the back of his head right after he tried to soccer kick him in the head. Also roughed up Wonderboy pretty unnecessarily.
Lol if Khamzat is a middleweight now why the fuck would it make any sense for Colby to take the completely opposite path and fight a lightweight? And not just any lightweight, a fighter whose achilles heel is specifically wrestling. Why are you so adverse to Colby fighting another contender in his own weight class?
If he’s going to keep ducking Burns then lets see Colby vs Shavkat.
Dustin weighs more than Colby