Gilbert Burns is looking for a Nate Diaz upset in the UFC 279 main event.
Gilbert Burns was the last man to share the cage with Khamat Chimaev. The two fought to a third-round decision that went the way of Chimaev. Now as Chimaev prepares for his next challenge, the UFC 279 main event against Nate Diaz, Burns is looking on. Burns is a veteran of the sport and now sees just how Chimaev behaves inside the cage. He feels he has a unique perspective in this fight and is sharing his breakdown and prediction.
Gilbert Burns Sees A Path To Victory for Nate Dia At UFC 279
Burns sat down with TMZ Sports to discuss the UFC 279 headliner.
“I hope so,” Burns said when asked if Nate Diaz Can win this fight. “I hope so that’s that’s all I’m looking forward to Nate Diaz to survive the storm that he’s going to bring. I know in the first two rounds, but then after that, if he may get a chance, you know, I think the first two rounds is going to be very rough for Diaz but veteran that he is and a lot of experience, I hope he gets through those two rounds and I think the fight is going to turn to the other side. No, but I think the first two rounds is going to be about Khamzat. So let’s see how Nate can handle with that and if he can, then people might be surprised.”
Burns mentioned that he was rooting for Diaz to win, understandably after Chimaev beat him. He has also mentioned in the past wanting another fight with Chimaev in the future. He said he wanted their fight to be five rounds because he believes Chimaev tires in the later rounds and feels Diaz can capitalize on that.
“That’s Nate. You know, the guy is freaking durable. So I think you’re gonna stay there, he’s gonna manage I think that he has a clear map to Khamzat, to win this fight. I think he’s (Chimaev) going to start putting a lot of pressure, ground and pound and try to get Nate Diaz to get cut. He gets cuts very easily and I think that’s his strategy. Take him down and ground and pound. I think he’s looking to finish in the second round. Will have to stop it with a big cut. So Nate, knowing they get cut if he’s going to cover up very well. I think he has the submission in the bottom and Nate just gotta be Nate. You know, make sure he’s there. He takes those shots in the beginning. He is slow starter, I think he is gonna start very slow but if Khamzat don’t take him out I think it’s gonna be a long night for Khamzat.”
If Chimaev wins on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, he will most likely be rewarded with a title shot. For Nate Diaz, win or lose he will be leaving the UFC in search of better opportunities.
