I was very overconfident going into [Usman] fight. I just believed, I’m going to beat this guy, and there’s nothing he can do to stop me.”
That’s 34-year-old UFC star Gilbert Burns admitting he thought he was gonna roll over welterweight champ Kamaru Usman when they fought in February.
That didn’t happen … and Burns was ultimately stopped via TKO in the 3rd round — a defeat that crushed him emotionally.
“As soon as we put on those little, small gloves everyone is danger,” Burns tells TMZ Sports.
“You gotta respect that, and I think I was very overconfident, and I paid the price. So, learned so much. The journey is still very alive, first step is going to be July 10th.”
Of course, July 10 is UFC 264 … the date Burns returns to the Octagon against #4 ranked fight Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
“Now I’m on my way back. I’m hungry as ever. I think I’m a little more mature, more disciplined.”
Does 1 win get him back in title contention — and set him up for a rematch with Usman?
Surprisingly, Burns says probably not … he has more work to do.
“I don’t think so to be very, very honest with you. I think if I lose, Wonderboy gets a title shot. If I win, I think I might need 1 more.”
