Gilbert Burns hasn’t been seen inside the Octagon since suffering a unanimous decision loss to Michel Prazeres at UFC Fight Night 95.
However, when the fighter does make his return to the Octagon, he would like it to come against Joe Lauzon.
"I already asked to fight Joe Lauzon a few times,” Burns told MMA Fighting, "but first he had a fight booked, and this time I think he said he will only return in September, but that works for me. I really want to fight him. I think that’s a good fight for both of us and for the fans. We’re both great grapplers who don’t shy away from a stand-up fight as well. It would be a great fight. He’s popular, and that would take me to a higher level in the division. It’s a dream fight for me. I’m waiting for him to say yes and (UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby to book this fight."
If Lauzon were to eventually accept the fight, it would be the first time he has competed since a loss to Stevie Ray at UFC Fight Night 108.
Burns is confident that if he were to get his wish and fight Lauzon, that he could beat him wherever the fight winds up.
"I’m confident I can beat him either standing or on the ground,” Burns said. "He’s a really tough guy, but I’m better prepared physically, my jiu-jitsu is in a higher level, and I train with fighters that are way tougher than him. I have full confidence, not underestimating him, that I can finish him in the first round with a submission or a TKO."
Lauzon has yet to respond to the challenge and neither fighter has a future fight booked at this moment.
