I think Usman will win a decision. Burns won't be able to get him on the ground to use his bjj skills. I'm not so sure that Burns would be able to win this fight purely with standup.
I really have no idea, but I think if Usman wins -- he's running away with this division for a while.
Tricky one to call. i cant see burns being able to take him down but i think he might surprise him with his punching power as he looked good against Woodley.
Burns doesn't really go for Takedowns that often because as a BJJ world champion he's really comfortable on his back he typically sticks to striking which he's excelled at recently until his opponents shoot for a takedown out of desperation and he typically doesn't defend takedowns voluntarily because on the ground he can grab submissions better than anyone in the ufc besides maybe Demian Maia. With Usman, this is a tough fight to call Burns is the better striker and better on the ground the only thing Usman has an advantage in is the clinch. Burns is the perfect stylistic matchup for Usman. Usman can't chain wrestle as he did against Jorge and pretty much everyone else in his career because Burns will just go for the sub. Usman can try and strike with him but that's unwise. The only way I see Usman winning is if he keeps the fight in the clinch against the cage or just trying to maintain top position on the ground while avoiding leglocks which is a dangerous game against a BJJ world champion. Burns has a lot of ways to win he can outstrike him or sub him. Another factor to keep in mind for this fight is they are former teammates and have sparred allegedly hundreds of rounds against each other so they know each other really well. I'd say this fight is a toss-up if I had to pick though id got with Burns by late finish. But a Usman win by decision where he makes it a stinker by just staying in the clinch the whole fight is equally possible. Usman is very strong and Jorge whose an explosive fighter in the clinch and can use it very well was completely dominated in it for the whole fight.
Great observation, Usman I notice prefers to strike when he faces another good grappler, like Coby for example. This fight will be determine on the feet and against the cage.
Originally i thought Gilbert after his performance against Woodley. After seeing Covington also destroy Woodley, it seems to be how bad Woodley has slipped. I'm now slightly leaning to Usman via decision by using his wrestling to just keep top position. I think he's top control is too good to get caught in a submission. When it is standing he also seems to have a solid chin and can throw hands himself.
Technique wise Burns has the more tools in his tool box, usman throws very little kicks, Burns better bjj , usman better boxing by slight margin, and better wrestling.
