In addition to a win over [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] at UFC 287, Gilbert Burns wants to go home with the “BMF” title.
Burns (21-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) are set to clash in a key welterweight co-main event on April 8. It will be Burns’ second fight of the year after defeating Neil Magny at UFC 283 this month, while Masvidal will return from a 13-month layoff in hopes of snapping a three-fight losing skid.
The matchup has been brewing for months, with both men trading shots over social media and in interviews. They finally have a date, but Burns isn’t content with an ordinary three-round bout. He wants 25 minutes and five rounds to work, and thinks Masvidal should have to put the “BMF” title he won against Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019 on the line.
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Burns made his plea to UFC president Dana White over social media on Monday (via Twitter):
Come on @danawhite April 8 has to be 5 rounds! Put that belt on the line! Everybody knows It’s only one guy in the @ufc that fights ANYONE! #ufc287 pic.twitter.com/XRYhB2phLP
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 30, 2023
Come on @danawhite April 8 has to be 5 rounds! Put that belt on the line! Everybody knows It’s only one guy in the @ufc that fights ANYONE! #ufc287
Masvidal responsed to Burns on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani, and shut down the request for the belt and round change.
“If they pay me ‘BMF’ money, which UFC isn’t going to up it up for more money,” Masvidal said. “So, sorry Gilbert. I already got my contract, man. I already signed my sh*t. I could give a f*ck less.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.
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