ESPN’s Brett Okomoto recently took to Instagram to break news that UFC welterweight champ, Kamaru Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC), is set to take on top contender, Gilbert Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC), at UFC 258 in February, per sources.
The two were were set to fight back in July at UFC 251, before Burns was forced out of the fight due to testing positive for COVID-19. With Burns out, Usman went on to face Jorge Masvidal where he ultimately defended his title by defeating Masvidal via unanimous decision.
Burns and Usman are former teammates and training partners who helped each other every step of the way, even cornering each other in many fights. Once the fight was booked in July, Usman left their shared camp of many years, Sanford MMA, formerly known as Hardknocks MMA, to train with Trevor Whitman, who serves as the head coach for many top UFC contenders such as Rose Namajunas, Justin Gaethje, and more. Usman still remains training under Whitman in Colorado.
Despite their close friendship, these former teammates both understand that there can only be one champion. At UFC 258 in February, expect these welterweights to leave no stone unturned on their mission to remain or become UFC welterweight champion.
