Gilbert Burns and Colby Covington have yet to share the Octagon, but their paths may soon cross following a week of online exchanges fueled by a prank.
The drama began when Burns publicly tweeted UFC Tampa cornerman Chael Sonnen's phone number. The move was a response to the UFC legend spreading a rumor that the Brazilian had retired from MMA. While "Durinho" and Sonnen appear to have resolved their differences, the stunt didn’t sit well with Covington.
In defense of the former fighter, Covington issued a challenge to Burns, proposing a fight in his honor. The one-time title challenger quickly accepted the idea and suggested Miami as the venue, expressing interest in an April showdown.
“Just [sign] the contract,” Burns wrote. “I know you not showing up.”
Both fighters are looking to bounce back in their careers.
Burns is on a three-fight losing streak, while Covington has dropped his last two bouts. Interestingly, both athletes’ most recent victories came against Jorge Masvidal — in March 2022 for "Chaos" and April 2023 for "Durinho."