UFC Fight Night 62 Results: 5 Fights for Gilbert Burns

In mixed martial arts, fans and experts alike are trying to find out who is the next star in the sport. Gilbert Burns has been recognized as an individual worth watching by many in the MMA community.

“With three wins by knockout, five wins by submission and an additional win on the judges’ scorecards, Burns has proven that he is a winner in this sport, and that he is definitely someone to watch out for in the near future within the UFC lightweight division,” wrote Adam Martin of MMA Ratings.

Burns had to dig deep to earn that praise, struggling early against Alex Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 62. He needed until the last minute to pull out the win and keep his resume unblemished. Looking forward, here are suggestions for five fights that would make sense for the Brazilian competitor.

Josh Thomson

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The UFC should rebook Josh Thomson versus Gilbert Burns

Burns was originally scheduled to face Josh Thomson during this event. Unfortunately, the former Strikeforce champion was forced off of the card due to injury, according to Damon Martin of Fox Sports. If that injury is not too serious and he is able to return this year, the UFC should think about booking this fight but doing so during a card in Las Vegas to give Burns more exposure.

Thomson is also ranked in the UFC’s Top 10. A fight between the two will show just how far Burns is ready to climb.

Tony Ferguson

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Tony Ferguson has been on a run as of late.

El Cucuy has been on quite the run in the UFC as of late. He is riding a five-fight win steak and has seen himself emerge as the No. 13 lightweight in the division. Placing Tony Ferguson against Burns would create an interesting fight between two men who are both aggressive but have excellent grappling.

Burns is a multiple-time world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while Ferguson has not shied away from that area of MMA. Putting these two against each other would result in a valuable win for either competitor.

Myles Jury

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Myles Jury needs a win to return to form and recognition.

Myles Jury had put together a strong streak since coming off of The Ultimate Fighter. However, Donald Cerrone proved that the young competitor still has holes in his game when they fought at UFC 182. Jury has yet to be announced in a comeback fight. Booking him against Burns would give both of these developing stars the opportunity to show that they are worth watching in the UFC’s deep lightweight division.

Norman Parke

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Norman Parke after his fight against Gleison Tibau at UFC Fight Night Boston, Sunday, January 18, 2015 in Boston. Tibau won via split decision. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

As the UFC continues to develop stars across multiple continents, Norman Parke stands out as a potential next fight for Burns. Parke has been vocal in hopes of growing his brand, so giving him the opportunity to promote a fight against Burns would do wonders for them both. Parke against Burns works best as a main card fight for another UFC event in Brazil.

Paul Felder

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Paul Felder is looking to breakthrough as a UFC lightweight.

Paul Felder is another new name who is looking to break into the UFC’s lightweight rankings. Facing Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 15, he will have his chance to garner some momentum in the division. A win there should see him placed in the Top 15 lightweights. Felder vs. Burns would be a great opportunity to build the winner as someone to watch in the weight class.