Gilbert Durinho reveals the fighters he wants to face before a new title fight

G. Durinho (photo) is the current number five in the welterweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @gilbert_burns

With a fight scheduled for January 21st, where he will face Neil Magny at UFC Rio, Gilbert Durinho is already plotting his way to a second attempt at becoming champion. Number five in the welterweight rankings (up to 77,1kg.) believes that if he wins over the North American, he will only have two fights left to qualify as number one challenger for the title.

“Let me get back to the victory column. After Neil Magny let's talk about it. Yes, I think it's about time (to think about the belt). It's time for these guys to accept the challenges. It's about opportunity, and guess what? I'll be ready. I think the rematch with Khamzat will happen. I think the fight with Belal Muhammad | will happen. Colby is the only one who maybe, I don't know what Colby is doing. And Masvidal, I'm not really pursuing that fight. It was just an opportunity for a big fight, but I'm not pursuing it. Yes, I think these are the next opponents: Belal Muhammad |, Khamzat and then the fight against the champion. That's what I see,” Burns told 'MMA Junkie Radio'.

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Coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Chimaev, the Brazilian no longer wants to let the fights fall into the hands of the judges and says the goal is to finish the next three opponents. According to the fighter, the intention is not to have to beg for a fight against the champion.

“In 2023, I imagine three fights, three submissions, and not asking, not begging, but getting another shot at the title. That's what I see. It doesn't matter who. The way I see it, I'm going against three guys, spectacular finishes and the chance to face the champion. A busy year”, concluded Gilbert.

After being defeated by Kamaru Usman in a fight for the welterweight belt, in UFC 258, the Niteroi native fought against Stephen Thompson five months later, where he won by unanimous decision. In his last confrontation, he ended up losing to Khamzat in the UFC 273.

A veteran of the organization, Durinho has a record of 20 wins and five losses. At 36 years old, the athlete is looking to be more active to have a second chance to take over the throne of one of the most competitive divisions in Ultimate.