UFC fighter Gilbert Burns suffered two losses at the hands of Belal Muhammad, but he is still rooting for the champ.
The fighter is hoping to secure a title shot before wrapping up his career. Burns has defeated the likes of Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal so far in his career. However, he lost his winning streak after losing to Muhammad twice and getting KOed by Jack Della Maddalena.
Burns is eager to break his losing streak as he will be battling Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night 242 in Las Vegas. He plans on getting about his shot at Muhammad and hopes the champ is still there when he’s ready.
“I want Belal to stay champion when I fight for the title, you know. That’s my goal, and then get the rematch for the title,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “That would be great, so I’m Team Belal Muhammad. I want this guy to keep winning, and then whenever I’m there, that’s the guy that I’m facing.”
Burns praised Muhammad for his willingness to be active and take on the rightful next contender.
“I like that Belal is being a good champion,” Burns said. “He said he wants to face the No. 1 contender guys before thinking on moving up or fighting another champion. I like that. That was my go-to.
“Go over there, beat the No. 1 fighters, keep beating these guys and especially he needs to make that fan base. He needs to make the fans excited. He’s doing a great job right now the way he talks, and I think he’s going to be a great champion.”
Although Burns seems ready to take another run at Muhammad, the champ doesn’t believe this.
“For Burns, he was looking good until he got finished [against Jack Della Maddalena],” Muhammad said. “So, I think it just comes now to how hungry is Burns? Is he still motivated in there? He’s talking about, ‘Yeah, I wanna fight Usman or Leon next,’ but he just doesn’t seem like the same confident guy that, ‘I could still chase the title, I’m still there,’ because even if he wins, Jack Della’s still ahead of him for the title shot, and you still know you’ve got a long way to go.”
Despite Muhammad’s beliefs, Burns is still set to take on the champ. A win against Sean Brady at the upcoming UFC tournament will secure him a title shot. Overcoming the champ and gaining the title will be a terrific way for Burns to wrap up his pro career.
