GILBERT BURNS wants to headline a UFC pay-per-view against superstar Jorge Masvidal.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom put himself back in the hunt for the welterweight title earlier this month with a unanimous decision victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 264.
Burns made it known he wants to throw down with fan favourite Masvidal next moments after having his hand raised against Wonderboy.
And Durinho reckons it makes sense for them to trade blows in the headline spot later this year.
The 35-year-old told SunSport: “I would love to [headline against Masvidal].
“He’s still got the BMF belt. But after that, he’s got two losses and he didn’t look as good.
“The second fight with [Kamaru] Usman was harder than the first one, that he didn’t have time to prepare for.
“And now, he needs to fight another guy. I don’t believe he’s supposed to be at No.7. I do believe he’s still in the top five.
“But he’s making great money. And then I’m No.2 in the world right now.
“I’m the only guy available right now at the highest level.
Let’s make that money.
Gilbert Burns on a potential PPV headliner with Jorge Masvidal
“Kamaru is fighting Colby. I’m the next guy right there. So yeah, why not? Let’s make that money.”
Burns believes a pay-per-view event topped by himself and Masvidal would be a home run for the UFC given Gamebred’s star power.
He continued: “If he really does bring those numbers in, which we know he does, let’s make a pay-per-view.
“Burns against Masvidal. I think it’s going to be a lot of entertainment for my guys out there.”
Masvidal, 36, has gone on record with his eagerness to face a top-five-ranked welterweight in October or November.
That timeline suits the always-willing Burns – who sustained no damage against Thompson – down to a tee.
Regardless of if a fight with Masvidal comes to fruition, Burns – who has won seven of his last eight – plans to cement himself as the clear No.1 contender by year’s end.
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He said: “The best way to end the year is to become the No.1 contender and earn another shot for the title with another win against a great opponent.
“[I want to] finish it by putting myself back at the title again.
“That’s how I want to finish that year.”
