Report: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns in the works for UFC 256 on December 12th.
A welterweight title matchup between reigning champion, Kamaru ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman, and surging contender, Gilbert ‘Durinho’ Burns is in the works for UFC 256 on December 12th. – with a location and venue for the showcase still undetermined by the organization.
Usman and Burns were initially scheduled to headline UFC 251 on ‘Fight Island’ in July, until the latter was forced to withdraw after he tested positive for COVID-19. In his place, stepped BMF championship holder, Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal – who dropped a one-sided unanimous decision loss.
Scoring his second-straight title defence, Usman dispatched American Top Team staple, Masvidal, after taking out the Floridian’s former teammate, Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington at UFC 245 last December.
Winning six straight, four of which have come at his new 170-pound home, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout, Burns earned his number-one contender’s status with a unanimous decision victory over former champion, Tyron ‘The Chosen One’ Woodley at a UFC Fight Night Vegas event in May. News of the targeted title tilt was initially reported by TMZ Sport.
Originally claiming the welterweight throne, Sanford MMA mainstay, Usman took another one-sided win over common foe, the aforementioned, Woodley in March of last year at UFC 235.
Since his return to welterweight back in August of last year, the well-rounded Burns has notched wins over the then-undefeated, Alexey Kunchenko, as well as victories over fellow grappling aces, Gunnar Nelson, and Demian Maia.
Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.
