Gilbert Burns Picked Against Gaethje Due to “Drinking Problems”

Heading into UFC 300, Max Holloway was among one of the biggest underdogs of the card. After all, the former UFC featherweight champion was moving up a weight class for the second time in his career, and his first attempt against Dusting Poirier at UFC 236 was unsuccessful.

The narrative going into the “BMF” clash against Gaethje was that, despite being faster and more resourceful, Holloway would not be able to handle Justin’s power— one of the hardest punchers 155 has ever witnessed.

Despite the widespread support for Gaethje to defeat Holloway, one of the few individuals who favored Holloway was Gilbert “Durinho” Burns, a former UFC welterweight challenger. Ultimately, after a legendary knockout win at the very last second of the fight, Burns turned out to be one of the few who picked the correct fighter to win.

Why Burns Picked Holloway to Win BMF Title

However, the reason for this pick wasn’t so much about how Holloway and Gaethje match up stylistically, but rather from personal encounters the Brazilian had with Justin in the past.

In an appearance on the Brazilian MMA Podcast “Sexto Round“, Burns claimed that he didn’t believe Gaethje would be able to endure a 5-round war against an athlete as technical as Holloway. During the podcast, Burns alluded to potential drinking problems as to why Justin’s cardio could have failed him on fight night.

“I have a reason why I think Justin Gaethje won’t win for one reason only: all those trips I took last year for Pantoja’s fight in Australia in December,” said Burns. He pointed out that Gaethje’s behavior during various UFC events, especially in Australia, raised eyebrows. “This guy was wild, my brother, drinking crazy amounts, not just a little bit. He was kicking the bucket on that side of the pond in December, my brother.”

Burns emphasized the challenges Gaethje faced off-camera, suggesting that his lifestyle choices could impact his performance inside the octagon. “His girlfriend was practically dragging him. I think, I think, I think he can’t handle it off-camera,” Burns added, hinting at potential distractions that could affect Gaethje’s cardio leading up to the fight.

Gaethje was never known for having the best cardio in the lightweight division throughout his career. However, his punching power and ability on the feet usually make up for it. Nonetheless, two out of his last 3 wins have come after fighting for three entire rounds, against Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler.