Gilbert Burns reveals criteria for final title run entering UFC Fight Night 242 headliner

Gilbert Burns is wholesome, rested and recharged forward of Saturday’s UFC Combat Night time 242 foremost occasion, and he’s eager to indicate he’s nonetheless among the many most harmful names within the welterweight division.

Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) hasn’t seen motion since he was knocked out by surging contenderJack Della Maddalena at UFC 299 in March. He’s fought simply as soon as prior to now 24 months after a stretch of three fights in 4 months in early 2023, and now “Durinho” is again within the correct headspace.

The previous UFC title challenger is at present sitting on the primary dropping skid of his profession after dropping to Belal Muhammad previous to Della Maddalena, however he plans to vary all that Saturday when he clashes with Sean Brady (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in a headlining bout on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN+).

“I’m tremendous excited to be again there and end this man – get again and show to me and all of the critics that I nonetheless belong on the high and I nonetheless have yet one more title run left in me,” Burns informed MMA Junkie. “We’re at all times going to have hate. In the event you don’t have hate, you’re not doing one thing proper. There’s at all times noise. There’s at all times one thing. I like that. It’s at all times a chip on the shoulder that we’ve acquired to go over there and present up. I wish to show individuals mistaken that I nonetheless belong on the high of the division.”

Burns mentioned he’s used his day without work from the octagon effectively. He’s focusing extra on restoration than ever in his coaching, and is prioritizing good work.

At 38, Burns is aware of each battle is extra vital than ever if he needs to get again to the shape that noticed him problem then-champ Kamaru Usman for the title in February 2021. Which means being cautious about how he maps out his profession with regards to taking short-notice fights.

“I’ve a standards now,” Burns mentioned. “We talked to the coaches. I’ve acquired to be in form. I’ve acquired to be wholesome – zero accidents. My weight is at all times good. But when I’m coaching, if I’m in form, if I’m injury-free – for certain I’m combating once more quickly. However let’s see how the battle goes (Saturday).

“I’m planning on ending Sean Brady early – not too early, however I believe within the first three rounds I’ll be capable to capitalize on one thing and get a end. If I’ve no accidents, we’ll see. I’m planning on calling these guys out within the high 5 and get one other one in December or January.”

Earlier than Burns, No. 7 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings, can take into consideration becoming a member of the title queue for present champ Muhammad, he wants to indicate he nonetheless has it towards No. 9-ranked Brady.

Brady, 31, is a harmful grappler who’s brimming with confidence after just lately rebounding from his first and solely profession loss with a submission of Kelvin Gastelum. There’s respect for Brady’s skillset on Burns’ finish, nevertheless, he merely thinks he’s acquired a superior drive to keep away from a three-fight dropping skid.

“I’ve somewhat stress,” Burns mentioned. “I’ve acquired to win this battle. It’s not that I’ve acquired to win the battle. I need to win the battle. I need to win. I need to beat this man. I do know I’m succesful. I simply need to make the best way, keep sharp this complete week, present up there 100% and beat this man. I do imagine I’ll. I’ll be capable to end him.

“It’s not a straightforward job – simpler mentioned than carried out – so I’ve acquired to go on the market and execute. He’s a troublesome one – not a straightforward battle. I simply assume I’ve acquired a lot expertise with all these robust guys back-to-back – a assassin’s row. I’ve fought all of the hardest guys within the division.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Combat Night time 242.