3 possible next opponents for Gilbert Burns after UFC Vegas 97 loss

As a seasoned MMA enthusiast with over two decades of ring-side experience under my belt, I can confidently say that UFC Vegas 97 was nothing short of spectacular. The prelims were brimming with promising prospects, and the main card was a veritable feast for fight fans. The Burns vs Brady matchup was particularly noteworthy, with both grapplers vying for a chance at title contention.

For UFC APEX events, UFC Vegas 97 truly stood out as an exceptional one. Typically, these events provide the UFC with a platform for less impressive shows, but this card exceeded expectations, being suitable for a live audience. The preliminary fights showcased promising talents in the lighter weight classes like Isaac Dulgarian and Andre Lima, and they were filled with exciting finishes. The main card was packed with engaging matches from start to finish, and the main event served as an excellent climax.

In the realm of the UFC’s top welterweight fighters, both Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady are on the fringe, boasting exceptional grappling skills that are highly regarded within the division. This fight between them was an enticing clash of styles, but it held very different implications for each participant. For Burns, who had lost two consecutive matches, this bout served as an opportunity to silence the buzz surrounding another promising up-and-comer. Additionally, a victory could potentially reopen the door for him to compete for the title, having previously fallen short against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299.

For Brady, this battle represented an opportunity to secure a spot near the front for a title-deciding match, a position he’d found himself in previously in his career. Following his victory over Michael Chiesa in 2021, he stood undefeated at 15-0, preparing for a fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 280. A win there would likely have propelled him into title contention. However, after being knocked out by Muhammad’s flurry of punches, Brady stepped away from the limelight until December 2023, when he secured a submission victory over Kelvin Gastelum.

As I stepped into the arena, the weight of this battle was heavy on my shoulders. Winning this fight wasn’t just about glory or victory – it had significant implications for my title standing. If I lost, I’d be stuck in a three-game losing streak, and with the top ten within sight, I could see myself slipping out of contention in no time. On the other hand, if Brady lost, he’d find himself on the sidelines once more, another missed opportunity to prove his worth as a true title contender. Each move we made mattered, not just for this fight, but for our futures in the game.

Despite the high pressure surrounding this contest, it was Tom Brady who triumphed on Saturday, outperforming Burns over five rounds to secure a unanimous decision. As for Brady, he’s likely headed towards a top-five fight next. On the other hand, the future battles for Burns are not as apparent. So, let’s imagine ourselves as Hunter Campbell and brainstorm an appropriate matchup for him in the coming bouts.

1. Winner of Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley

This article is holding a spot for Joaquin Buckley and Stephen Thompson, who are scheduled to fight each other at UFC 307 in October. The victor of this match will secure the title for the bout. It’s fitting for either competitor, albeit for unique reasons.

If Thompson can beat Buckley, securing a victory over Burns becomes crucial for him to regain his status as a serious title contender. Given that he’s approaching his 42nd birthday, Thompson doesn’t have much career time left, so this could well be his last chance to make a run at the title. Burns previously defeated Thompson, but with both fighters now beyond their prime, the outcome of their rematch is anyone’s guess.

In terms of Buckley, Burns could essentially be fulfilling the same function he has in his last two battles: acting as a highly-ranked challenger, or gatekeeper. Similarly, Della Maddalena and Brady entered their encounters with Burns in comparable positions – both were promising contenders aiming for their first significant victory. While defeating Thompson would reinforce his standing, if Buckley aspires to be a genuine title contender, taking on Burns might be the subsequent challenge.

2. Michael ‘Venom’ Page

To be fair, proposing a bout between Michael “Venom” Page and any fighter within the UFC’s welterweight division has become quite repetitive by now. However, there is a certain logic to this proposition in this specific case, as fans have been eagerly anticipating a clash between Page and Thompson. The likelihood of this matchup happening, though, is still uncertain, hinging largely on the outcome of Thompson’s upcoming fight against Buckley.

Although Page is currently ranked 13th in his division, he remains an intriguing combatant with a fresh face and a well-known name. His tenure as a Bellator fighter ensures that he will often have opportunities to climb up the rankings. His kickboxing approach can be hit or miss when it comes to being entertaining, but it aligns well with Burns, who typically only takes fights to the ground if absolutely necessary.

At 37 years old, Page may not win UFC gold, but he can establish himself as a more refined version of Kevin Holland in the welterweight division. He’s a less experienced fighter who is always ready to take on any opponent, often delivering an exciting match. Concerning Burns, Page could help him secure another victory, as his defensive wrestling skills are quite weak.

3. Michael Morales

As a gamer stepping into the octagon, I’ve got to admit, taking on Ian Machado Garry might be a tough fight for me right now, but after my TKO victory over Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 96, I’ve definitely earned the chance to move up the rankings. Despite being ranked higher than me, Garry’s recent performances have left much to be desired, making it a strong argument that I, Michael Morales, am the second-best undefeated welterweight behind Shavkat Rakhmonov. The sky’s the limit for my potential!

To date, the UFC fighter who emerged from the Contender Series hasn’t encountered a grappler as formidable as Burns in his career, but his defensive grappling skills have been nothing short of remarkable throughout his tenure. In his five UFC matches, Morales has managed to thwart 21 takedown attempts and has been taken down just twice. He possesses the ability to maintain the fight standing, a situation that poses serious challenges for any competitor in his division.

Practically speaking, Morales might only need one more victory to secure high-profile matchups like these. However, it’s not impossible that the UFC might accelerate his progression. Dana White has demonstrated this inclination in the past, for instance, when he arranged a top-five fight for Della Maddalena following his win against Holland. If Burns agrees, Morales could be presented with the biggest challenge of his career.

2024-09-09 00:43

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