Gilbert Burns enjoyed everything about the UFC’s historic return to the 305.
The UFC welterweight contender made up one half of the co-main event of UFC 287, which marked the promotion’s first card in Miami in nearly 20 years. The card took place at the Kaseya Center, the same venue that hosted its previous event in 2004.
Burns (22-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) defeated hometown hero Jorge Masvidal in the co-main event of the card, winning a unanimous decision. And for Burns, a South Florida resident, it was a special career moment.
“All my friends and family were able to come, everything was nearby, and above all, I got to win,” Burns told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked about his experience fighting in Miami. “It was spectacular. I got a big win against Jorge Masvidal, a guy that’s super tough and always comes to fight.
“Getting a dominant win over him in front of my friends, students, and everyone who was present to watch me. Also, the atmosphere. I’m Brazilian. It had an atmosphere of soccer. It’s a different feel. We had a lot of Latinos, Cubans, Brazilians, so their energy was great. It was tremendous.”
UFC president Dana White was very happy with the turnout in Miami, saying it was the “sixth highest grossing event in UFC history.” He wants to keep Miami as an annual destination, just how the company visits Madison Square Garden in New York yearly.
If that’s the case, Burns wants in on all future events in Miami.
“Always, always. Miami is my home,” Burns said. “In September, it’s going to be 10 years since I’ve been living in South Florida. This is my second home for me.
“I like fighting two or three times a year, and if I could fight once in Brazil and once in Miami, that’s good for me. I was very happy. I think this is going to be a new home for the UFC. This is a new home for the UFC. But yes, if there’s a fight here in Miami, I want in. If there’s a fight in Rio, I want in. I only want to fight at home here.”
