Just like his brother Gilbert, [autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag] possesses a strong grappling background.
A longtime jiu-jitsu practitioner, Burns (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned his way into the UFC with a first-round triangle-choke over Darrick Minner on “Dana White’s Contender Series” last August.
Now Burns is set to make his official UFC debut this Saturday, when he takes on fellow newcomer [autotag]Nate Landwehr[/autotag] (13-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC on ESPN+ 24 in Raleigh, N.C.
Burns, who’s notched every pro finish by way of submission, is looking to add another one to his collection.
“It’s a classic matchup of grappler vs. striker,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “He’s experienced, the former champion of M-1 Challenge. He’ll look to strike, and I’ll look to use my jiu-jitsu. His last loss was via submission, and I don’t think he’s ever faced someone like me – on my grappling level. He’ll bring his striking, but I’ve fought guys like him, guys with one-punch (knockout) power like Banario and Nastyukhin. I see myself getting him down to the mat and submitting him.”
[lawrence-related id=481831]
Burns, a ONE Championship and Titan FC veteran, has faced strong competition throughout his young MMA career, and has been preparing alongside his brother, Gilbert, at both Sanford Mixed Martial Arts and Combat Club with renowned striking coach Henri Hooft.
Herbert is looking to replicate his brother’s activity by competing numerous times this year in hopes of emerging as Brazil’s next 145-pound star.
“My plan is to stay at featherweight and fight my way to the top, one step at a time,” Burns said. “I want to remain active. The UFC is supposed to be back in Brazil, in Sao Paulo, on May 9. That would be a perfect card for me, too. I’d like to fight four times in 2020. Renato Moicano went up to lightweight, so I’d like to be the next big name from Brazil in the featherweight category. Of course, I’m focused on Nate Landwehr now, but I’m ready to run him over, and over anyone else who stands in my way.
“Now my brother Gilbert and I are both in the UFC. He’s scheduled to face Demian Maia, who’s a very respectful guy. Both are world jiu-jitsu champions. It’s going to be amazing fight. The Burns brothers are ready to dominate in the UFC. We’re going to make a lot of noise in 2020.”
[vertical-gallery id=429476]