H, Burns in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @herbertburns
Brazilian MMA fans should keep their eyes open for the first fight of the UFC 250, which takes place this Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA). This because, Herbert Burns will make his second appearance for the company and will seek to continue his trajectory towards the top of the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg.). In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the Niteroi native spoke about his expectations of facing the experienced Evan dunham and your plans for the future in the organization.
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“Evan is a very tough guy, who has been fighting in the UFC since 2009. He was already top 5 in the lightweight category, he is a guy who has a name, who was very relevant and wants to be relevant again. He's coming back now and has never fought at a weight below 70kg. and against a hungry guy like me. I wasn’t a good choice for him,” said the Brazilian.
Strategy for the fight
Responsible for making Hebert's life difficult in the first fight on the card, Dunham has not performed since September 2018, when he was defeated by Francisco Massaranduba. Due to his inactivity, Herbert believes he will be able to take advantage of his opponent's physical condition.
“I think inactivity will make a difference, yes. I hadn't fought for a while and I felt rusty. I'm sure he will feel it. So, it’s about putting pressure on at the beginning, having a good rhythm”, explained the Niteroi native.
Hard journey to UFC
Hungry for victories and fights, Herbert also commented on the difficulties he faced before he managed to sign his first contract with the UFC. The athlete recalled when he was still playing for Titan FC and was approached by Dana White, thinking he would receive an immediate chance to play for the organization.
“I had a good career in Asia, with ONE FC, I went to Titan FC and when there was ‘Lookin’ for a Fight’ (reality show), where Dana White goes to see the guys fight. I had a fight and I thought: ‘I have to do really well because Dana will be in the audience’. And I got an excellent victory against Luiz Gomez (submission, in 2019), who is a super tough guy, he was a former champion (of the event). It was such a victory. I touched him, put him down and finished. I said: ‘The contract with the UFC will happen’. When Dana called me after the event he said: 'I was super impressed with your performance and I want to offer you a contract… on the 'Contender Series' (laughs)”, said Herbert, who knew right then and there that he would need to do one more fight to reach Ultimate.
“Another fight. Another lion to kill. Then, he fought on the ‘Contender Series’, another submission in the first round. There, I managed to join the UFC”, described the Brazilian.
Film premiere
When he officially stepped into the octagon as an Ultimate fighter, Herbert did not disappoint. In the confrontation against nate landwehr, the Niteroi native surprised by delivering a brutal knockout in the first round, proving that jiu-jitsu is not his only resource.
“My opponent said a lot of nonsense before the fight and I managed a spectacular knockout. It was an excellent knee that turned off his circuit breaker. It was the perfect debut. I got my foot in the door,” he said.
Future in Ultimate
This weekend, Hebert will reach the mark of 13 fights since turning professional in MMA. Avoiding taking a step too far, Herbert shows his feet on the ground when it comes to his future within the organization, however, he makes his desire for his career explicit.
“I want to be champion. That's what I always say. Because I can not? And work. Keep working, making things happen, staying focused, improving every day, which is what I've been doing. I will go through Evan dunham now, this Saturday and, when you reach this goal, put another one next”, he concluded.
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