Jorge Masvidal has verbally agreed to face Gilbert Burns at the end of this year or start of next year, according to the Brazilian.
The fan-favourite has struggled since making the move into the upper echelons of the UFC's welterweight division following a star-making 2019. He viciously knocked out two legitimate title contenders in Darren Till and Ben Askren before taking on Nate Diaz for the newly-minted 'BMF' championship, winning fighter of the year in a number of publications.
But with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, making super-fights became difficult due to lack of crowds, and a potential bout between he and Conor McGregor fell by the wayside. He ultimately took a short-notice welterweight title fight with Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 in July 2020, losing a one-sided decision after a grappling-heavy, boring bout.
He was ultimately rewarded for taking that fight with Usman by being given a rematch with a full camp, but was viciously knocked out within seconds of round two. From there, he pulled out of a grudge match with Leon Edwards before being dominated by Colby Covington in a heated battle at UFC 272.
Now, it appears that he will face No.4-ranked Burns, with both men looking to earn their way back to title contention and the top of the division. Burns has already been knocked out once by Usman, and is coming off a loss to super-prospect Khamzat Chimaev, so needs a big name scalp on his record.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Burns said: “Nothing done yet, a lot of talks about the fight with Masvidal. He verbally agreed. I did too They’re just figuring out the date. No date yet. November was too close - so December or January. At least I know I have an opponent. Just figuring out the date right now.”
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The pair were being touted for the UFC 281 card in New York City on November 12, but it's more likely that they will end up fighting the following month at UFC 282 in Las Vegas. That event appears to be heading towards a Jon Jones return against Stipe Miocic, and could become a monstrous card if Masvidal's star-power is added to the mix.
Otherwise, the pair will battle early next year at UFC 283 in Burns' home country. “No. 1 would be MSG in November, but then he said no for that date,” Burns continued. “Now December or January, I can wait like 20 more days to go to Brazil. I’m looking forward to go to the Brazil card.
“Even though he’s coming from losses, it’s just from Kamaru and Colby, it’s not like, ‘Oh, he’s been destroyed,' he lost to two of the best guys in the division, so I don’t look down on him. It’s going to be a good fight. Entertaining, both guys coming from a loss, and I want to take his head off.”
