Brazilian UFC fighter Gilbert Burns says he’s ready for a title shot, targeting a bout against Nigerian fighter Kamaru Usman.
Burns earned a unanimous-decision victory over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley on Saturday, and now holds the number one spot on the official welterweight rankings.
Burns and UFC welterweight champion Usman train at the same gym – Sanford MMA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite that relationship, Burns called for a title shot after his win.
“I love the champ, my training partner Kamaru Usman, but give me a shot,” Burns said after his win over Woodley on Saturday, per Damon Martin of MMA Fighting. “Dana White, Hunter [Campbell], Sean Shelby, Kamaru, I want to fight for the title.
“A lot of love, a lot of respect for you, but I think I’m next. I’m right there. I can fight in July. I want to fight for the title.”
“I’m very happy,” Burns said. “I knew I could do it. I was calling these guys out for a reason. Not bad for a jiu-jitsu guy.”
Burns has reeled off six straight victories and was the sixth-ranked welterweight coming into his UFC Fight Night main event against Woodley, who was ranked first. Woodley was fighting for the first time since losing his welterweight title to Usman at UFC 235.
Usman successfully defended the title against Colby Covington at UFC 245 in December. Third-ranked Jorge Masvidal is expected to be his next challenger in July, but Burns has a claim to being first in line for the winner of that bout.
