Gilbert Burns

By FCF Staff

Gilbert Burns supports Dana White’s plan to host UFC cards in the near future, despite the ongoing, coronavirus pandemic. But, the welterweight believes tests for the virus should be mandatory for anyone attending the cards.

Recently the UFC was forced to postpone three cards, due to restrictions that have been enacted by jurisdictions to battle the coronavirus. White has repeatedly said, however, that the UFC will find a way to hold the April 18th, UFC 249 card, and other events moving forward.

Burns recently spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing White’s plans, the fighter said this:

“I think if they’re going to do the fights, they have to have the tests,” Burns said. “I think that’s a priority even for the whole UFC crew, the cameras, the ESPN staff, the fighters, the corners. I’m 100 percent sure Dana White is going to take care of that and test everybody and make sure everyone is safe. But for sure, that has to be a mandatory thing they do.”

Burns competed at UFC Brasilia earlier this month and stopped Demian Maia in the opening round.  Fighters were not tested for the coronavirus. The event was not open to the public.

Recently, however, Francis Ngannou reported that the UFC had him tested for the coronavirus. Ngannou was scheduled to fight Jairzinho Rozenstruik this Saturday in Columbus, but the card was postponed. More recently there’s been speculation the heavyweight fight could be added to UFC 249.