Create a free account to unlock this article! Get Started Already a subscriber? Log In

Gilbert Burns is heating up.



After submitting John Combs at Submission Underground 4 (SUG 4) in Portland, Burns caught up with FloCombat backstage, dishing on his post-fight call-out of fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Garry Tonon, his next UFC fight, and much more.



Burns and Tonon previously competed at Polaris 4 in October 2016, where Tonon won via inside heel hook. Burns wants that one back, and he made that point clear on the mic after taking about Combs.



"I want my rematch," Burns said. "I was doing pretty good but I got caught. He did a good job. But I'm ready for the next one. So I'm looking forward to getting Garry Tonon next and excited for that."



While Burns is a distinguished high-level black belt on the mats, he's also an exceptional mixed martial artist. At 11-2 overall and 4-2 on the world's biggest stage, the UFC, Burns is a tough out for anyone inside the eight-walled battle chamber. Most recently, Burns was defeated via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 95, and he's more than ready to get back on the winning track.



"I hope for July 7 or July 8," Burns said. "They have those two events [The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale and UFC 213] in [Las] Vegas, big ones. I got a big layoff...I had surgery on my elbow, but now I'm healthy and putting in the work. Dana White, please, Sean Shelby, I'm ready to fight. Just give me one guy, give them a date, I'm ready to go."



Where that "one guy" is concerned, Burns has some ideas.



"Joe Lauzon I think would be a great matchup," Burns said. "I just want to put on great performances against great guys. I want a top-level guy like Diego Sanchez, Joe Lauzon. Give me a big guy, I'm going to guarantee it's going to be a big fight, big show."



While Burns is eager to get back inside the cage, he's also still focused on his grappling career. With Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Worlds kicking off in late September, Burns has his sights set on that massive competition as well. He previously took bronze in 2015 at the event, and he's ready to best himself this time around.



"I got invited to the ADCC," Burns said. "I'm going to put a lot of energy into that. That's why I'm looking to fight in July, to have that time to fight in ADCC and put on a show. I'm really excited. It's one of the only titles I don't have in jiu-jitsu and I'm looking forward to that one too."

