Morning Report: Dana White says it’s ‘highly likely’ that Gilbert Burns receives next welterweight title shot
Guilherme Cruz, MMA Fighting
In March, Colby Covington suggested that Jorge Masvidal was going to price himself out of a title fight, and it’s starting to look like Covington may be right after all.
The welterweight title picture in the UFC has been in a state of limbo for the last several months. It was thought that Masvidal was next in line for a title shot against champion Kamaru Usman, but a fight has yet to be announced. In the meantime, welterweight contenders have been piling up, with Gilbert Burns moving to No. 1 in the UFC rankings, following a dominant showing against Tyron Woodley this past weekend at UFC on ESPN 9. And following that performance, UFC President Dana White believes he may have found the next title challenger.
“You got Colby Covington, you got Jorge Masvidal, you got Leon Edwards and now, obviously you have Gilbert Burns,” White told Steve-O’s Wild Ride podcast recently. “All of those guys, the reality is, we’re going to reach out tomorrow and we’re gonna say: ‘Who wants the next fight? Who wants this fight? Who is ready to go? Who wants to fight Usman?’ If it’s Masvidal, Edwards or Burns.
“Burns told me that night, ‘Let’s turn this sh*t right round, I’ll fight Usman now. I’m ready.’ I love that kind of sh*t. When you’re that guy, it’s highly likely you’re getting that f*cking fight.”
Following his performance at UFC on ESPN 9, Burns immediately made it known he was interested in fighting Usman, despite the two training together. He also said that he was completely healthy and ready for a quick turnaround. Conversely, Masvidal has also made it known he’d like to fight Usman, but has shown a willingness to forego a title shot for a bout with Conor McGregor. Furthermore, Masvidal recently Tweeted his frustration with the difficulty in getting a deal done.
Shouldn’t be this hard to get a deal done #fuckery
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 3, 2020
All of this suggests that Masvidal may indeed be getting passed over for a title shot for ease of the promotion. That being said, it’s not all bad news for Masvidal. He’s not out of the running yet, and as Dana White pointed out, even if a title shot does not come, there are other options for “Gamebred.”
“There’s nothing bigger than a title fight,” White said. “But Masvidal has options. Masvidal’s in a place where he has some fun options.”
Aside from a potential bout with McGregor, Masvidal also has an imminently marketable grudge match against his former teammate, friend, and roommate Colby Covington that could make sense.
And while things may be less than ideal for Masvidal, Gilbert Burns now appears to be in the driver’s seat for the next 170-pound title shot. Not bad for a guy who only returned to the division last August.
MUST-READ STORIES
Wait. Dana White: ‘The best thing’ for Conor McGregor is waiting for Khabib vs. Gaethje winner.
$$$. Dana White says ‘Fight Island’ is ‘so f**king expensive’, teases potential launch on June 27.
Coronavirus. Amanda Nunes reveals she had COVID-19 symptoms, took Nina Ansaroff to ER.
Car accident. Wanderlei Silva hit by car on his bike, fractures foot.
VIDEO STEW
What the Heck, with Sean O’Malley, Brian Kelleher, Brandon Royval, and Roosevelt Roberts.
Embedded.
Shevchenko calling for a third fight with Nunes, at 125.
2 Chainz at the UFCPI.
10 failed weight cuts that blew title shots.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands. Breaking down all the biggest matchups at UFC 250.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Beef.
I want to fight all of them https://t.co/5vATZyx8ze
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) June 4, 2020
STFU already! We get it bro! You’re a tough Siberian gangster. Jeez! https://t.co/t6cNxJSGw5
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 5, 2020
Focus on your fight “most dangerous wrestler” in the division pic.twitter.com/kbaTh05hD3 https://t.co/vIUQXtn6At
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) June 5, 2020
Lmfaoooo Slight miscalculation! But I ended up on top 3 seconds later
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 5, 2020
This whole saga was wild.
Everyone take a deep breath, you'll see me in the octagon Saturday
— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) June 4, 2020
This was pretty cool of Bisping.
When two fans travelled across the country just to meet The Count ahead of his first title defence, @bisping stepped up and got them a pair of tickets as a thanks for their support pic.twitter.com/dajHs2yiQs
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 4, 2020
The Boa Constrictor is back.
A big good news soon
— Alexey Oleynik (@oleynikufc) June 5, 2020
Aggressive.
Bitch. Fucking. Season. #HillBows #CarvingUpYourGirls #ThereWillBeAReckoning #WhosNext?! #ComeOnMick! pic.twitter.com/s7zU8rgRHa
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) June 5, 2020
Boom.
Cutting weight makes you think twice about swalling your tooth paste while brushing your teeth
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 5, 2020
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Karl Roberson (9-2) vs. Marvin Vettori (14-3-1); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Ray Borg (13-5) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (10-4); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Andre Fili (20-7) vs. Charles Jourdain (10-2); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Jordan Espinosa (14-7) vs. Mark de la Rosa (11-4); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Mariya Agapova (8-1) vs. Melissa Gatto (6-0-2); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Charles Rosa (12-4) vs. Kevin Aguilar (17-3); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Julia Avila (7-1) vs. Gina Mazany (6-3); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Ryan Benoit (10-6) vs. Tyson Nam (18-11-1); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Jordan Griffin (18-7) vs. Darrick Minner (24-11); UFC Fight Night, June 13.
Livia Renata Souza (13-2) vs. Ashley Yoder (7-5); UFC Fight Night, Aug. 15.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading and see y’all on Monday.
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.
Post a Comment