4. Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
I could’ve sworn Jorge Masvidal was going to fight Usman, but that fight fell through when negotiations went sour. Now, we have this. It’s not what I originally hoped for the welterweight division – but it’s a solid plan B.
If Usman vs. Burns was pitched a few weeks backs, it would’ve been somewhat of a poor booking. It’s not that Burns wasn’t good, but not long ago he was simply rising to contention at 170. But after watching the way he dismantled former champion, Tyron Woodley, a couple of weeks ago, Burns is now 100 percent deserving of a title shot.
Burns’ quick rise in 2020 has been a fun storyline to follow and this bout with Usman is the culmination of his success. He’s a true testament to fighters hoping to abandon archaic weight cuts and look for new life in heavier weight classes.
Much of MMA is momentum. There’s no doubt Masvidal is still someone I’d like to see fight for the belt soon, but he also hasn’t competed since November. In this pandemic, that seems like ages ago. Burns has kept quite busy in 2020, so why not keep that going?
Usman vs. Burns is a fun fight and one I’m looking forward to. That said, I do have to admit, it wasn’t my first option.