Belal Muhammad has given a bold prediction for the welterweight co-main event between Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287.
Masvidal is currently on a three-fight losing skid, with his most recent loss coming at the hands of Colby Covington at UFC 272. The Miami native is a sizable underdog heading into his fight against the Brazilian, who many believe will win comfortably. If he loses come fight, ‘Gamebred’ recently revealed that he may contemplate retirement. Muhammad thinks that won’t happen anytime soon.
Belal Muhammad On Burns vs Masvidal
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Muhammad explained why he thinks Masvidal will take out Burns.
“Gilbert is not that bad of a matchup for Masvidal,” Muhammad said. “I think Gilbert’s wrestling isn’t as good as Colby’s or Kamaru’s. His ground game is obviously good, but Masvidal fought Demian Maia in his prime and he didn’t get tapped out. He didn’t get submitted. So, I think if he plays it safe and Gilbert gets emotional, and it becomes just a straight-up striking match, I think Masvidal has a chance.
“Honestly, I’ve got Masvidal winning. I think Masvidal will beat him. Burns, his last fight was against Neil Magny and he just like walked through him. I think the level of competition that Masvidal has come from fighting and I think taking that time off, you get a little bit of reset and we saw that last time.”
Despite being on a three-fight losing skid, Masvidal will be in pole position to fight for the welterweight title if he beats Burns in a spectacular fashion. Champion Leon Edwards recently said that he wouldn’t mind the BMF champ jumping the line if he wins at UFC 287.
Do you agree with Belal Muhammad?
