The UFC’s announced return to Philadelphia – the promotion’s first stop there in nearly eight years – got lightweight Gilbert Burns’ attention.

Not eager to travel long distances, the Floridian by way of Niteroi, Brazil, wants to compete in the states. A fight with a Canadian sounds like a good idea.

On Wednesday’s edition of MMAjunkie Radio, Burns (14-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) called out striking specialist John Makdessi (16-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) for UFC on ESPN 2, which takes place March 30 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. The event’s main card airs live on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.

“He’s a good matchup,” Burns said. “I’m not asking for an easy fights and boring matchups. It’s got to make sense for me and for the company. That guy, I think he’ll be an interesting matchup.”

Burns doesn’t want to be misunderstood – he’s not making any brash proclamations or showing any disrespect to get his desired opponent. That’s not who he is, and not how he conducts business.

A recent look at Makdessi’s social media was encouraging to Burns, who noticed the Canadian striker back in the gym after being forced to withdraw from a UFC 231 matchup against Carlos Diego Ferreira.

And so, Burns said, “I’m calling him out, nicely. But I might call him out pretty soon.”

It sounds like he just did. After winning three of four in 2018, Burns has a New Year’s resolution to keep his train rolling. A decision over Olivier Aubin-Mercier put him back in the win column after a knockout loss to Dan Hooker, but it wasn’t the type of performance he expects of himself in a time where wins aren’t enough in the octagon.

“Hopefully, I can get three wins,” he said. “That’s the main goal for this year. And not just wins, but statement wins. That’s most important for me. The fans don’t like boring fights.

“I want domination, and if I’m not able to get the finish, like I was in my last fight, I want to perform with domination from the first minute to the last round.”

Makdessi can take what he will from that statement. Burns just needs him and their promoter to pick up what he’s putting down.

For more on UFC on ESPN 2, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia and Dan Tom. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.