Gilbert Burns has expressed his interest in facing Dustin Poirier following their recent losses. Poirier suffered a knockout defeat against Justin Gaethje, prompting Burns and other welterweight contenders to vie for a match against "The Diamond." The potential clash could occur in either the lightweight or welterweight division, adding another layer of excitement to the MMA scene.
In the wake of both fighters tasting defeat in their recent outings, Gilbert Burns is setting his sights on a showdown with Dustin Poirier. Poirier, known as "The Diamond," encountered Justin Gaethje in a BMF championship bout at UFC 291, a rematch that garnered intense anticipation from MMA enthusiasts.
Poirier emerged victorious in their initial encounter, securing a fourth-round TKO against Gaethje. However, lightning struck twice, and in their rematch, a devastating early second-round head kick knockout shifted the tide against Poirier.
Responding to Poirier's call for suggestions regarding his next opponent, former welterweight title contender Gilbert Burns was quick to throw his name into the hat. Burns isn't the only one vying for a shot at Poirier; his fellow Kill Cliff FC teammates and fellow welterweight contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Vicente Luque have also expressed their eagerness to step into the Octagon against "The Diamond."
While Burns originally ventured into the lightweight division after his 2014 UFC debut at 170 pounds, his most notable accomplishments have unfolded in the welterweight realm. His highlight moment came when he challenged Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 258 in February 2022. Since then, Burns has remained committed to the welterweight division.
Despite Poirier's previous musings about a move to the welterweight class, his potential matchup with Burns could manifest either in the lightweight or welterweight division. Even in the wake of his loss to Gaethje, Poirier's prospects remain rich, especially considering the burgeoning rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, poised for a rematch at UFC 294, which might set up Gaethje's shot at the lightweight crown.
For the full story and a deeper dive into the unfolding narrative between Gilbert Burns and Dustin Poirier, click here.