Gilbert Burns expects to answer a lot of questions about Khamzat Chimaev next month.
Burns takes on Chimaev in a highly-anticipated welterweight contest taking place on the main card of the upcoming UFC 273 pay-per-view event on April 9.
The fight is intriguing not only because it could be a potential title eliminator, but also because Chimaev will be facing arguably his toughest test yet in Burns.
Many are still not convinced about Chimaev, and feel he is still yet to face a top level opponent in his MMA career so far.
Burns, however, is one of the best welterweights in the world and will certainly be a huge litmus test for Chimaev and his prospects of becoming a future champion.
“People’s main event,” Burns told TMZ. “I’m pretty excited. … April 9, we’re going to see if the hype is real or not. I’m going to answer a lot of questions on April 9.”
That’s not to say Burns doesn’t view Chimaev as a good fighter. However, he still needs to see a lot more from him.
“I think he’s very tough, he’s very good,” Burns said. “But let’s be honest — he’s never seen nobody on my calibre grappling-wise, jiu-jitsu, striking, speed. A lot of attributes, experience. I’ve been there many times in the UFC, title fights, main events.”
Gilbert Burns Doesn’t Expect Decision
However the fight will go, Burns doesn’t expect it to last the distance.
And while he is expecting a finish for himself, it won’t be easy either, as he envisions a war with Chimaev.
“The perfect scenario — I go out there and take the guy out with a punch. Boom. Knockout,” Burns added. “But, I think it’s going to be a war. I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. That guy’s a dog, he’s going to come hungry, excited, try to put on a show. So am I.
“I think my arm’s going to be raised. I don’t know how, maybe a submission, maybe a knockout. But I don’t see a decision. I see a knockout or a submission, second or third round finish.”
