Training partner, Luque says Durinho has been underestimated and is ready to beat Chimaev

G. Durinho (left) and V. Luque (right) are Brazilian standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter@GilbertDurinho

The great favoritism of Khamzat Shimaev has been bothering Vincent Luque. training partner Gilbert Durinho, who faces the Swede on the main card of UFC 273 next Saturday (9), the Brazilian revealed that his compatriot is ready to leave his 'underdog' status in the bookmakers and surprise at the event, in search of a new chance for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.).

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“I believe he will win, because I know he is prepared for this fight. He's a monster. Everyone talks about Chimaev, who is a great fighter. But you want to talk about a monster? Someone who can go there and really put him in danger? This is Gilbert (Durinho) Burns. He has shown this often and I think people still underestimate him. That's how things happen and I really think he's going to surprise everyone”, analyzed Luque in an interview with 'ESPN' North-American.

Luque and Durinho train together and have a relationship like best friends. Despite being among the best in the division led by Kamaru Usman, the two fighters did not even consider the possibility of facing each other and help each other during training periods for their fights in Ultimate.

Gilbert now enters the UFC 273 with the mission of stopping the 'hype' of the undefeated Chimaev. He comes from victory over Stephen Thompson and dreams of a rematch against Usman, who ended up beating him in February 2021. The setback actually marked the only time the Brazilian was defeated at welterweight (under 77kg). In retrospect, there are 20 triumphs and four setbacks.