No main event has been announced yet for next month’s UFC 251 card, but if Gilbert Burns has his way, a welterweight title bout will headline the event.
That’s because Burns is willing to fight UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman for the gold at UFC 251.
“We’re waiting for the UFC’s decision,” Burns said to MMA Fighting. “I volunteered to fight for the UFC title in July if they want. I know UFC 251 is on July 11, and I volunteered for it. If they want it, I’ll fight for the belt on the 11th, or I can fight the No. 2 or No. 3 [fighter] in the rankings, whoever the UFC wants. I’ve already volunteered, and I will honor that. When I volunteer for a date, I make sure I’m ready for it in case something happens. I’ll get back to the gym on Monday.”
Usman, who hasn’t defended the title since UFC 245 in December of 2019, has yet to respond to the challenge from Burns.
Burns is also willing to fight former UFC Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington or Leon Edwards if Usman isn’t available.
“I want to fight – I evolve when I’m fighting,” said Burns. “My preference, of course, is to fight for the belt. That’s the fight I want, but I don’t rule out (other) fight. In case they book Kamaru against Masvisal, you can be sure I’ll be fighting Colby or Leon. But fighting for the belt is my preference, of course.”
UFC 251 takes place on Saturday, July 11 from a location to be announced and with a main event to be announced. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
