Gilbert Burns has no regrets about walking away from the UFC, especially after seeing the level of talent currently competing in the welterweight division.
Burns announced his retirement in April following his loss to Mike Malott. Now on the sidelines, the former UFC title challenger is enjoying watching a new generation of contenders battle for position at 170 pounds.
Burns was in Las Vegas ahead of UFC Vegas 122 at the Meta APEX this Saturday, where he spoke to members of the media during the event’s media day. Asked about the current state of the welterweight division, Burns was quick to point out just how deep the talent pool has become.
“Oh, it's a stacked division, you know? I'm so glad that I retired, right?” Burns said.
“I look at that, I see Islam Makachev, and then Carlos Prates, and then Ian Garry, and then Michael Morales and then Gabriel Bonfim and Oh my God!”
Burns Expects Carlos Prates to Get Next Title Shot
Burns was particularly impressed by Islam Makhachev’s recent successful title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 and believes Carlos Prates could be next in line to challenge the champion.
“I think next it’s going to be Carlos Prates against Islam Makhachev,” Burns said. “I heard (it) might be January, I heard they might be doing something. I don't want to break no news but I heard it might be January and and I like the matchup.”
Burns believes both fighters will take valuable lessons from Makhachev’s most recent title defense. While the champion will have an opportunity to address mistakes from his performance against Garry, Burns expects Prates to identify areas where he can exploit Makhachev.
“I think, for sure, Islam watched the fight. He saw the mistakes that he made against Ian. For sure, he's going to get better, he's going to fix that,” Burns said.
“But with that being said, there was a couple mistakes that Carlos, for sure, he was there watching it. And I think a couple things Carlos can do better.”
The former title challenger also highlighted Prates’ striking as a major factor that could make the potential matchup particularly compelling.
“And just the strikes of Carlos Prates, the damage that he does, It's a very intriguing matchup. I'm looking forward so much to this fight.”
Burns Calls Welterweight One of His Favorite Divisions to Watch
Prates and Makhachev aren't the only fighters Burns believes could make the welterweight division one of the UFC’s most competitive.
Burns pointed to several other potential matchups and contenders, including a fight between Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott, while also mentioning former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman as a possible factor in the division.
“And the whole welterweight (division) is crazy. We got Buckley versus Mike Malott. It should be an interesting one,” Burns said.
“And we got Kamaru (Usman) might come down and do something. Belal (Muhammad) is still there, hanging there, trying to keep up with the young boys.”
Burns also mentioned Michael Morales, who has announced that he has a fight booked, and suggested Ian Machado Garry could be his next opponent.
“Michael Morales just announced that he had a fight (booked)…I think it has to be (against) Ian Garry. Yeah, I like the division so much.”
For Burns, watching the welterweight division from the outside has provided a different perspective after years of competing against many of its biggest names.
“For sure, it's one of my favorite divisions to watch,” Burns said. “But I'm so glad that I retired!”
