MIAMI – Despite facing tough odds at RAF 13, Gilbert Burns remains confident that he can emerge victorious. The Brazilian, a former UFC title challenger who retired in May, will square off against former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in a freestyle wrestling bout featured as the co-main event on Friday at the Watsco Center. Having previously met inside the UFC octagon — where Chimaev earned a Fight of the Year nod at UFC 273 in April 2022 — Burns now steps into Chimaev’s wrestling domain, moving up a weight class to challenge the larger opponent.
While many factors appear to favor Chimaev, Burns insists he holds advantages of his own. “He’s definitely the superior wrestler and has much more competitive experience,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “He’s bigger, but I believe my heart and cardio can outlast his. My plan is to frustrate him, make solid entries, and wear him down until he’s exhausted. I want to see him tired and show him that I understand what that feels like. Looking back at our previous fight and his bout with Strickland, he really hates getting tired. My aim is to get him there and test how he handles it.”
At 40 years old, Burns believes he can outlast 32-year-old Chimaev, who he sees as prone to gassing when pushed hard. Burns thinks the hype around Chimaev’s RAF performances partly stems from opponents who haven’t tested his pace enough. “He looked good against Dillon Danis before their scuffle,” Burns said about Chimaev’s RAF tenure. “I liked his start against Tyron Woodley, but it lacked urgency. I’m confident I can pressure him much more than they did. Especially versus Woodley — you can’t let him get a body lock because he’s strong and long. I’m aware of mistakes those fighters made, and I won’t repeat them. Dillon tried guillotining him; we won’t do that. We’re going to wrestle — moving into his territory and up a weight class. I’m here to keep ‘Durinho’s’ legacy alive.”
This story was first published on MMA Junkie: Gilbert Burns says he can break Khamzat Chimaev at RAF 13: ‘He hates to get tired’
Fan Take: This matchup is a thrilling clash not just between two elite fighters but between contrasting styles and generations. For fight fans, seeing Burns challenge Chimaev on his own wrestling turf could redefine how versatility and endurance shape the future of combat sports.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
