One Result Bothered Gilbert Burns More Than His Losses To Chimaev, Della Maddalena, And Muhammad

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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The Trilogy That Never Was: Burns vs. Usman

The rivalry between Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman is a defining chapter in Burns' UFC journey. Their two encounters were incredibly close, showcasing Burns' exceptional skills and Usman's championship-level resilience. The keywords here are Gilbert Burns vs Usman, Usman, trilogy, rematch, and welterweight title.

• Close Calls: Both fights were incredibly competitive, with Burns pushing Usman to his limits. The first fight, particularly, was a razor-thin split decision victory for Usman, sparking controversy among fans and analysts. Many felt Burns had done enough to secure the win.
• Controversial Scoring: The scoring in their first encounter remains a point of contention. Burns’ aggressive style and relentless pressure arguably deserved a victory in the eyes of many observers, leading to a feeling of injustice and a sense of what might have been.
• The Missed Trilogy: The tantalizing possibility of a trilogy fight has been a recurring theme in discussions about Burns’ career. The close nature of their encounters made a rubber match a highly anticipated event for fans and a potential defining moment for Burns himself. The missed opportunity to settle the score weighs heavily on the fighter.
• Impact Beyond a Loss: This near-miss had a more significant emotional impact on Burns than his other defeats. The sting of almost achieving the ultimate goal, the championship belt, lingers stronger than the disappointment of clear-cut losses. The psychological impact of this near-victory is significant.
• What Could Have Been: The potential implications of a third fight are vast. A victory would have dramatically reshaped Burns’ career trajectory and solidified his position as a dominant force in the welterweight division.

Analyzing the Other Losses: Chimaev, Della Maddalena, and Muhammad

While defeats to Khamzat Chimaev, Daniel Rodriguez (Della Maddalena), and Belal Muhammad are undoubtedly significant setbacks, they haven't seemed to impact Gilbert Burns in the same way as his fights with Usman. Here, we consider Khamzat Chimaev, Della Maddalena, Daniel Rodriguez, UFC losses, and Gilbert Burns analysis.

• Chimaev: The fight against Chimaev showcased Chimaev's overwhelming power and dominance. While a significant defeat, it was a clear-cut loss, devoid of the agonizing closeness of the Usman fights.
• Della Maddalena & Muhammad: Burns' losses to Della Maddalena and Muhammad were also competitive, but again, lacked the same agonizing near-miss element of the Usman bouts. These losses, while painful, have likely been easier to process and learn from.
• Resilience and Comeback: Burns’ ability to bounce back from defeat is a testament to his mental fortitude. His post-fight interviews often highlight his positive attitude and commitment to improving. He's demonstrably resilient.
• Burns' Perspective: Though specific quotes may not be readily available, Burns’ public demeanor suggests he views the Usman losses as more frustrating because of the close nature of the fights, rather than a lack of skill or effort.

The Psychological Impact of Near Misses

The psychological impact of a near-miss is often more detrimental than a decisive defeat. This section focuses on the psychological impact, UFC fighter mentality, motivation, setback, and recovery.

• The Weight of "Almost": The feeling of almost achieving a major goal can be incredibly demoralizing. The constant reminder of what could have been creates a unique psychological burden.
• Long-Term Effects: Near-misses can lead to self-doubt and a lingering sense of frustration, impacting motivation and performance more than a clear defeat. The recovery process may be longer and more complex.
• Burns' Competitive Drive: Burns' intensely competitive nature likely amplifies the impact of his near-victories against Usman. His desire to win is a double-edged sword: it fuels his ambition but also intensifies the disappointment of not quite reaching his goal.

The Future for Gilbert Burns

Gilbert Burns remains a top contender in the UFC welterweight division. Looking ahead, the keywords here are Gilbert Burns future, UFC future, welterweight division, next fight, and comeback.

• Current Standing: Despite his losses, Burns is still a force to be reckoned with. His experience and skillset make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
• Potential Opponents: A number of fighters present compelling matchups for Burns. His future opponents will likely be chosen based on ranking and the potential for a title eliminator bout.
• Continued Ambition: Burns’ determination and unwavering commitment to the sport are evident. He continues to train rigorously and strive for improvement.
• Another Title Shot?: The possibility of a future title shot remains very much alive. A few more impressive wins could easily catapult him back into the title picture.

Conclusion

While Gilbert Burns has faced several challenging opponents and suffered defeats to Chimaev, Della Maddalena, and Muhammad, his near-misses against Kamaru Usman have had a more profound and lasting impact on his career. The psychological toll of almost achieving greatness is substantial, and the lingering sense of what could have been is arguably more difficult to overcome than the acceptance of a clear-cut defeat. The intensity of the Usman fights and their close results underscore the importance of considering the psychological elements within the context of a fighter's career.

What do you think? Which loss has had the biggest impact on Gilbert Burns' career? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Discuss the impact of near-misses in combat sports and how fighters overcome them. Let's talk about Gilbert Burns and his future in the UFC.