LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Gilbert Burns claims the UFC repeatedly offered him Jorge Masvidal.
Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) denied ever being offered a fight against Burns at UFC 281 on Nov. 12, UFC 282 this past Saturday, or UFC 283 on Jan. 21, but Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is calling bluff.
Although he was eager to face Masvidal next, an idea that Burns claims the UFC supported, Burns decided to move on when the fight did not take place. Instead, “Durinho” will face Neil Magny at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro.
“He was lying, for sure, or Hunter (Campbell) and the UFC were lying,” Burns said at UFC 282. “I don’t think they were, but they did offer me Jorge. ‘Would you like to fight Jorge?’ That was the query. ‘Would you like to fight Jorge Masvidal at MSG?’ You understand what I mean. “I said, ‘Sure.'”
Masvidal is due in court on Feb. 27 for his alleged March attack on Colby Covington in Miami Beach. He is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and criminal mischief on a single count. Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Burns is coming off a battle with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 in April, where he pushed the unbeaten star to the brink of defeat. Chimaev has been linked to a fight with Colby Covington, but Burns believes he will either rematch Covington or face Belal Muhammad.
“I don’t think that fight is going to happen,” Burns said. “I’m not sure. I believe it will be either me or Belal – one of us. I don’t believe Colby is fighting. It doesn’t appear to be the case. That Jorge thing is going in a different direction. I just don’t think that fight, Khamzat and Colby, is going to happen. That is why I want to beat Neil Magny in Brazil, and we’ll see what happens after that.”
