Burns calls for title shot vs. teammate Usman after one-sided victory
Gilbert Burns wants a crack at UFC gold.
After his unanimous decision victory over former champion Tyron Woodley in the UFC Fight Night main event Saturday in Las Vegas, "Durinho" called out his teammate and current welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman.
"I love the champ, my training partner Kamaru Usman, but give me a shot," Burns said in his postfight interview, according to MMA Fighting's Damon Martin. "Dana White, Hunter (Campbell), Sean Shelby, Kamaru, I want to fight for the title.
"A lot of love, a lot of respect for (Usman), but I think I'm next," Burns continued. "I'm right there. I can fight in July. I want to fight for the title."
Burns, who trains with Usman at Sanford MMA in Florida, said earlier this week he'd have no problem fighting Usman should he earn the opportunity.
The Brazilian entered his first UFC main event as the No. 6-ranked welterweight contender. Burns, 33, has now won four in a row since moving up to the weight class last year.
Woodley, ranked No. 1 heading into Saturday, stepped into the Octagon for the first time since he lost the belt to Usman at UFC 235 in March 2019. The 38-year-old held the title for nearly three years and defended it four times.
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