Gilbert Burns never wants to turn down an opponent offered to him much less pull out of a fight he’s already accepted.
In fact, the top ranked welterweight contender earned his title shot against reigning champion Kamaru Usman largely by risking short-notice opportunities that other fighters seemed less interested in taking. That attitude made him a favorite of UFC President Dana White at the start of 2020 and it helped Burns solidify his position as the next fighter in line to challenge for gold at 170 pounds.
Unfortunately, the Brazilian was knocked out of his scheduled bout against Usman at UFC 251 in July after he tested positive for COVID-19.