Gilbert Burns (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Gilbert Burns isn’t calling to fight Khamzat Chimaev next, but the welterweight contender sees a showdown with the rising star happening in the near future.

Ever since Chimaev (10-0) choked Li Jingliang out at UFC 267 last month, there’s been extensive talk and speculation about who he’ll fight next. The win over Jingliang, which was Chimaev’s fourth with the UFC, moved the fighter into the #1o spot of the promotion’s welterweight ranks.

Burns (20-4) recently spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing the possibility of fighting Chimaev, ‘Durinho’ predicted he’ll fight Chimaev soon.

“I think so. I think he’s real,” Burns said. “I think he’s been tested. People say, ‘Oh, no. He’s just no.’ I think he fought a couple of good fighters. And the other thing, too, the way he beat them.

“Sometimes people don’t understand the matchmaker. Sometimes they feed you. They want new contenders. They want new stars, and they feed a couple guys. But sometimes they don’t destroy the guys the way they should. Even the matchmaker is just like, ‘Hey, feed that guy. He don’t want to eat.’ But he’s been doing a great job, you know, and I think he’s real.

“I think I’m going to face him very soon. I think he needs one more win, and I think he’ll have (the win). And if things keep going like that, like Colby (Covington) doesn’t even say my name, (Jorge) Masvidal, Leon (Edwards). Why not? I’ll give him the opportunity.”

Burns is coming off a decision win over Stephen Thompson in July, which followed his stoppage loss to champion Kamaru Usman in February. Burns is currently ranked #2.