Gilbert Burns on why he accepted Michael Morales fight: 'Everyone needs an opportunity'
It's tough to find someone as willing to fight young, up-and-coming contenders.
In an individualistic sport like MMA, where everyone fends for themselves and their best interests, few fighters with big names and high-ranked spots are willing to put their careers and future opportunities on the line against a lesser name but still dangerous opponent. Well, that's not Gilbert Burns.
His record and upcoming schedule reflect a somewhat uncommon and fresh approach to the game.
"Michael Morales won this spot," Burns said in Spanish speaking to Hablemos MMA. "He deserves this spot. He's been doing a very good job, 25 years old, 17 fights unbeaten. He deserves this kind of opportunity."
Burns, a former UFC welterweight title challenger and a long-time staple for the company, takes on young, rising contender Michael Morales this Saturday in a five-round main event bout at UFC Fight Night 256 – which takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
It's a tough fight for Burns, or anyone in the division, yet, the Brazilian veteran had no second thoughts in answering the call.
"I was like Michael Morales years ago," Burns explained." I was making noise and making my way to the top and Damian Maia, Gunnar Nelson gave me the opportunity. I feel like I have to do the same. It's a test. If I go and win, I knock him off, and he can have another opportunity in the future. But he needs an opportunity, and who am I to say no?
"I'm here to fight the best. If they think he's next, let's fight then. I respect everyone and I think everyone needs an opportunity. If he's good, then he will win. But for me, I don't have that, 'Oh, I'm No. 5, I have to fight against No. 3 and 4.' No, no, no, no. I'm going to fight who the UFC and the fans want me to fight."
Burns is coming off three straight defeats to then rising contenders Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady. Although he's only lost to what's now the very top of the division, Burns knows he's in dire need of a win, especially because he sees himself still game to challenge for the belt once again, but this time becoming champion.
"I see this as a movie," Burns said. "I think I can win this one, win one more, and then fight and win the title. Just like a movie, you know. That's where my mind is at. I'm not down like, 'I'm not training well, I'm losing,' No. I see it as real. I've worked so hard and I think beating Michael Morales changes everything. One more fight and I'm being talked about for fighting for the title again. Saturday I need a win, but more importantly, I want to win. I'm hungry."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 106: Gilbert Burns on why he accepted Michael Morales fight
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