Gilbert Burns suffered a devastating first-round TKO loss to undefeated prospect Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 106, marking his fourth consecutive defeat. Once a perennial contender in the welterweight division, Burns now finds himself at a crossroads with a 22–9 professional record and the #10 ranking in the UFC. His recent skid includes losses to top contenders like Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady, suggesting a step back in competition might be necessary to regroup and rebuild momentum.

Despite the setbacks, Burns remains one of the most accomplished grapplers in the UFC, with nine submission wins and an IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship pedigree. He’s still a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division and continues to draw respect for his willingness to fight anyone, anytime. However, his durability and striking defense have come under scrutiny following three stoppage losses in his last four outings.

A logical next step for Gilbert Burns would be a high-stakes, veteran showdown against Colby Covington. Covington, the former interim champion, is also coming off a pair of tough losses — a decision defeat to Leon Edwards for the title at UFC 296 and a doctor stoppage TKO against Joaquin Buckley. Now ranked #9, Covington, like Burns, is seeking to reestablish himself in the title conversation.

This matchup makes sense for both fighters. It pits two experienced, high-level welterweights who have shared the cage with the division’s elite. Both need a win to remain relevant in the stacked welterweight picture. Stylistically, it’s a clash between Burns’ elite grappling and powerful striking versus Covington’s relentless pressure, volume, and wrestling-heavy game plan. The fight also carries compelling narrative weight: two former title challengers with something to prove.

From a promotional standpoint, Burns vs. Covington would easily headline a UFC Fight Night card or serve as a co-main event on a pay-per-view. With both fighters bringing name value, intensity, and fan followings, it’s a matchup that would generate buzz while giving one of them a chance to bounce back in a big way.

If Burns can overcome Covington’s cardio and pressure, it would signal that he still belongs in the upper echelon. For Covington, defeating a decorated BJJ black belt like Burns would be a strong response to recent criticism and a critical step in staying in the top 10.

Last Five Fights (Gilbert Burns):

1. Loss to Michael Morales – TKO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales
2. Loss to Sean Brady – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady
3. Loss to Jack Della Maddalena – KO (knee and elbows), UFC 299
4. Loss to Belal Muhammad – Decision (unanimous), UFC 288
5. Win over Jorge Masvidal – Decision (unanimous), UFC 287

Last Five Fights (Colby Covington):

1. Loss to Joaquin Buckley – TKO (doctor stoppage), UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley
2. Loss to Leon Edwards – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296
3. Win over Jorge Masvidal – Decision (unanimous), UFC 272
4. Loss to Kamaru Usman – Decision (unanimous), UFC 268
5. Win over Tyron Woodley – TKO (rib injury), UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley

This fight offers redemption, relevance, and a potential career resurgence for the winner — and for the UFC, it’s a no-brainer to book.