[autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] says if [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag] really wants to fight at UFC 249 as he claims, he will sign a contract and stop putting a “show” on social media.
Ever since Woodley’s (19-4-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) UFC on ESPN+ 29 main event with Leon Edwards fell apart due to the coronavirus outbreak, the former UFC welterweight champ has been angling to get on the makeshift UFC 249 card on April 18, which still does not have a location due to the numerous bans on large gatherings across the nation during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Woodley’s top priority has been a matchup with Colby Covington, but the odds look bleak. “The Chosen One” said on Saturday that he’s raring to go, but Burns (17-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) isn’t buying it. The Brazilian said he’s the only matchmaking option for Woodley in this climate.
“He knows already; the UFC said out of the top guys, I’m the guy available,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “He said, ‘I want to fight Colby.’ Colby is not available. He said no. He keeps playing these games on social media and I don’t like that. … I don’t want to be the guy, ‘Oh, I’ll beat you up.’ Just sign the contract and fight.”
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There’s no guarantee that if Woodley agreed to face Burns, the fight would actually come to fruition at UFC 249. The location and venue for the card remain a mystery, and a strong possibility remains that it’s called off all together because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Burns said if the UFC can successfully execute a card, though, he would be willing to fight, even in these unprecedented times. He said he will continue to train for another 10 days, but his doubts grow over each of those days and at this point, Burns is trying to figure out a different plan.
“I’m still training, but I’m losing my hopes a little bit,” Burns said. “Anyone who wants to fight in the top 10 – (Michael) Chiesa, Woodley, (Stephen) ‘Wonderboy’ (Thompson). Anyone. Those guys really want to fight, I’m here to fight. I will fight anyone in the top 10.”
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