Former UFC title Challenger Gilbert Burns wants smoke from one of the rising stars of one of the Welterweight Division.
After years of being an important presence in the UFC image of a Welterweight title, Gilbert Burns is on unknown territory after four consecutive defeats. Burns, who wins career in Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley, has not fought in May since a devastating Ko loss for Michael Morales.
Despite his recent struggles, the 39-year-old Burns believes that he has all the tools to push at least one title before he hangs the gloves. But a recent medical fear has postponed its return to the Octagon indefinitely.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Gilbert Burns says he is in 'concussion protocol', but still shouts the rising star
Burns and many other MMA stars still spar at a high level between fighting bookings. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland is notorious for wild sparring sessions, including some with content makers and online trolls.
In a recent interview with Farah Hannoun from MMA Junkie, Burns shared a relevant update while unveiled his targeted return time line.
“I look at December,” said Burns. “I had a small concussion, I am still unable to come back, so I still have to get a few things in the protocol to train again. I still have to take it a bit calm. It was a difficult one, but I look at December.
“I just saw Daniel Rodriguez just won a nice victory against Kevin Holland. He is now arranged. I think that should be a nice. I and Daniel Rodriguez in December, maybe January.
“Let's see how the concussion protocol goes. That is a what I look forward to. You can't play with the brain at all. We have to take it the most.” (H/T MMA Mania)
At the moment, the severity of the concussion of Burns is uncertain, although his intended return appears plausible in December if it is deleted by the UFC. Burns wants to win his first victory since he retires Masvidal at UFC 287.
The recent struggles of Burns were kicked off by a crooked defeat against Belal Muhammad on UFC 288. Afterwards Burns suffered a brutal ko loss for Jack della Maddalena before the most important event losses to Sean Brady and Morales.
Burns' Callout by Daniel Rodriguez sets up an intriguing fight in the Welterweight Top 15. Rodriguez recently defeated Kevin Holland in a 'Fight of the Year' candidate at UFC 318, she with a hint of controversy in the hours after the bout.
😲 Kevin Holland Réussit à survivre après ce magnifique contre de Daniel Rodriguez! #Rmcmma #ufc318 pic.twitter.com/lyflqzonff
– RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportcombat) July 20, 2025
Daniel Rodriguez accused of 'smear' in grim victory over Kevin Holland
After Rodriguez and Holland encountered in the Octagon, Holland went to social media to express his dissatisfaction with how the fight went. Holland insinuated that Rodriguez used a gel -like substance to struggle more difficult in the Octagon, which Rodriguez firmly denied.
'Greasing' accusations are nothing new in modern MMA. UFC Hall by Famer Georges St-Pierre was noticed from the malpractice when he met BJ Penn against UFC 94, while Corornmen Vaseline rubbed his back and shoulders between the rounds.
Anyway, Rodriguez is one of the most popular contenders of the Welterweight Division with recent victories over Santiago Ponzinibbio, Alex Morono and Holland. A matchup with burns would be very logical for both parties if the veterans want to go back to the title mix.