Gilbert Burns aims for UFC title shot in final career push

At 38 years old, Gilbert Burns is aware that his time in competitive fighting is limited. He faces challenges in training due to increased injuries, necessitating a greater focus on recovery. Despite these hurdles, Burns remains confident in his abilities, believing he can still compete with the top fighters in the welterweight division. He is set to fight Sean Brady in a main event at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, aiming to prove his worth in the octagon. Burns has experienced recent setbacks, including a loss to Della Maddalena and a previous defeat to Kamaru Usman, which has fueled his desire for redemption. He hopes to secure a rematch with Belal Muhammad, who recently won the welterweight title, and sees this as a motivating factor in his training. Burns is determined to showcase his grappling skills, which he believes are among his strongest assets. In preparation for the fight, Burns has adopted a rigorous recovery regimen, including therapies like red light and compression therapy, as well as physical therapy. He acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining peak performance at his age but remains optimistic about his chances against Brady, who is known for his grappling prowess. Should Burns emerge victorious, he plans to target a No. 1 contender fight against notable opponents such as Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, or Colby Covington, all of whom have been involved in recent title bouts. This path could lead him back to a championship opportunity, fulfilling his ambition of reclaiming UFC gold before the end of his career.