Gilbert Burns Predicts Leon Edwards Knocks Out Colby Covington, ‘His Striking is WAY Better!’

Timothy James

November 3, 2023

Gilbert Burns says the gap in striking will be the difference in Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington

Gilbert Burns doesn’t think Colby Covington has the chops to hang with Leon Edwards on the feet – saying that the incumbent champion will get his hand raised with Covington unconscious on the Octagon canvas.

“Durinho” spoke exclusively with Inside Fighting’s Timothy James in São Paulo ahead of Jailton Almedia vs. Derrick Lewis, sharing his thoughts on the upcoming welterweight championship fight.

“I got Leon Edwards,” Burns said when asked who he likes in the fight. “I think he’s going to be able to defend all the takedowns and his striking is way better than Colby’s … [Edwards wins] maybe by knockout. Leon is that good. Very underrated.”

Gilbert Burns thinks Belal Muhammad has earned the right to wait for his title shot

Belal Muhammad isn’t fighting again unless it’s for UFC gold – and Gilbert Burns thinks he’s earned that right.

Muhammad beat Burns via unanimous decision back at UFC 288, adding to a 10-fight unbeaten streak (with 1 no-decision against current champion Leon Edwards). With one of the best streaks in the division, Muhammad doesn’t want to fight again unless it’s for the belt – a stance many people disagree with.

Burns isn’t one of them.

“I don’t think there’s too many guys [left] for [Muhammad] to fight,” Burns stated. “He beat me, he beat Luque, he beat a couple good guys … If I was in his position, for sure I’d sit down and wait.”

Muhammad has put together an impressive streak of wins, but hasn’t endeared himself with the fans with a style many consider boring. However, Burns doesn’t think that should be a factor.

“Not a fan favorite, not an exciting style, but yeah. I think he deserves the title shot next.”