Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal will finally share the cage after months of back and forth on social media. Burns, who currently sits at the #5 spot in the UFC’s welterweight rankings, is looking at a possible title shot should he emerge victorious this weekend. As for Jorge Masvidal, the two-time title challenger is on his last run to the title shot, and a win here could award him another chance at the gold owing to his rivalry with current champion Leon Edwards. However, a loss at UFC 287 means Masvidal is ready to retire.
With so much at stake, who do you think gets his hands raised this weekend at UFC 287 when Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal share the UFC Octagon this weekend in Miami, Florida? Let’s find out.
Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal stats
| Stats | Gilbert Burns | Jorge Masvidal |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 21 | 35 |
| Losses | 5 | 16 |
| Height | 1.78 m | 1.8 m |
| Division | Welterweight | Welterweight |
| Reach | 180 cm | 188 cm |
| Age | 36 | 38 |
UFC 287: Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal prediction
If we take a look at their last five outings, Gilbert Burns emerges as a clear-cut winner. A black belt of the highest pedigree with striking so vicious, he could put his opponents to sleep; Masvidal doesn’t have much on paper to back him up. Moreover, back-to-back losses against wrestling-heavy fighters in the form of Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington have really put Masvidal on the back foot. Also, now that we have seen Gamebred knocked out cold, one can’t be too sure about Masvidal eating a right hand from Gilbert Burns.
“I think his back is against the wall.”
Gilbert Burns (@GilbertDurinho) expects the most dangerous version of Jorge Masvidal at #UFC287 🔊🆙
— UFC News (@UFCNews) April 5, 2023
Alas, that’s not the whole story. With a three-inch reach advantage against someone who has struggled against jabs and has shown a “weak chin,” to say the least, it’s not going to be an easy night for Gilbert Burns. Additionally, Masvidal’s experience on the ground, having fought the likes of Covington, Usman, and Maia, could create problems for Durinho.
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Safe to say, Burns will look to keep the fight on the ground, much like what he did against a savvy striker in the form of Stephen Thompson. One thing to note is that it’s a three-round fight, and if Masvidal is looking to win the fight, he has to get a stoppage. To say that Gamebred gets his hands raised in a three-round affair against Burns might be stretching your imagination.
We think if there’s one way Masvidal gets this done, it’s by T/KO. And that’s not far-fetched at all; we think he gets it done.
Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal predictions: Jorge Masvidal via T/KO in Round 2
