Gilbert Burns had an impressive 2020 that turned him into a title challenger. Burns (19-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) picked up two impressive victories over established opposition, beating former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and former UFC title challenger Demian Maia. The win over Maia back in March 2020 kicked off the calendar run of back-to-back “Performance of the Night” wins. Related Video: UFC 258 'Countdown' for Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns UFC 258: Stephen Thompson says Gilbert Burns is Kamaru Usman's 'toughest fight, for sure' Kamaru Usman doesn't see clear contenders after Gilbert Burns: 'No one really stands out' Burns became the first person to stop Maia since 2009, scoring a first-round TKO in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 170. He was was also just the second fighter ever to finish Maia, and the first to do it at welterweight
More here:
UFC free fight: Gilbert Burns hands Demian Maia first stoppage loss since 2009 – MMA Junkie