15 minutes of hell: Inside Gilbert Burns' insane preparation for Khamzat Chimaev
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Gilbert Burns knows his next UFC opponent may be the most physical challenge he’s faced in recent years.
The UFC welterweight contender and former title challenger gave MMA Junkie an inside look to his strength and conditioning preparation for his pivotal bout against Khamzat Chimaev.
The two are set to clash on the pay-per-view main card of UFC 273 on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla.
Burns (20-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) will attempt to shut down the hype around Chimaev and take away his undefeated record. Looking to earn another shot at the title, “Durinho” wants to build off his unanimous decision win over Stephen Thompson in July 2021. It was his first fight back since coming up short against champion Kamaru Usman for the title in February 2021. The 35-year-old is 7-1 in his past eight bouts.
Chimaev (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is out to prove he’s truly the next big thing. Chimaev burst onto the scene in the UFC and has put away all his opponents by stoppage in quick, lopsided fashion. The 27-year-old has absorbed just one significant strike in four total UFC appearances.
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