Gilbert Burns still thinks he has what it takes to become UFC welterweight champion.
Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) was just over a minute away from beating Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) at UFC 299 before a costly mistake led to him being knocked out in Round 3. Two of the three judges had him up 20-18 heading into the third.
The former title challenger now has dropped two straight, but he won’t let those setbacks deter him from his title hopes.
“I’m 37, I’m not getting any younger, but I do believe I have everything I need to become a champion,” Burns said on his YouTube channel. “Concerning the footwork, the defense, technical stuff, combos. I was throwing a lot of single shots, but I’m still there.
“I’m still alive in the division. I know can beat so many guys. The dream is still alive. I still want to become a champion. It’s not just a dream, it’s my goal. Guess what? I’m going to work very hard for that. For sure a little clean-up, little things I need to do technically, mentally, physically. We always need to improve.”
Upon finding out that Della Maddalena broke his arm in Round 1, Burns’ respect for him grew even bigger.
“He broke his arm maybe from the first or second kick that I threw, and the guy didn’t show it,” Burns said. “Man, so much respect. I’m a bigger fan now already of Jack. I already liked the guy, I liked his style, I like that he goes forward, tried to finish the fight. After that performance, I’m more than a fan. I think he deserves it. Man, no excuses at all.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.
