Kamaru Usman possibly getting a title shot, labeled a "shame" by Gilbert Burns: "Needs to bounce back"

Kamaru Usman has not entered the octagon since UFC 294 last October when he suffered a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev. While he moved up a weight class and accepted the bout on short notice, it marked his third consecutive loss.

Despite the losing streak, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is one of two fighters - along with Shavkat Rakhmonov - being considered for Belal Muhammad's first welterweight title defense. Gilbert Burns recently took exception to the notion that Usman is deserving of a title opportunity.

Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, the No. 6-ranked welterweight stated:

"I think it would be a shame. You know, the guy has three [straight] losses. One [was] that crazy highlight knockout and then he lost the rematch and then, 'oh, it was short notice'. Yeah, but no one put a gun in your face and asked you to fight. You said, 'oh, I want to fight', so you fought. That’s three losses. You know, for sure, he needs to bounce back. He's tough. I get it, [but] three losses in a row back-to-back."

Burns continued:

"[He] was the champion, the boogeyman, the No. 1 pound-for-pound. It’s a tough place. He needs a win. He needs top-five wins. I don’t know, maybe Ian Garry, Jack [Della] Maddalena, me... I think Kamaru, for sure, he needs a win. He needs to look good. People say, 'one win, he fights for the title'. He needs to look good in that win because there was three losses he didn’t look good."

Check out Gilbert Burns' comments on Kamaru Usman below:

While Usman has not called for a title opportunity, he has been engaged in a back-and-forth with Muhammad since the latter captured the welterweight title at UFC 304. Meanwhile, Burns will look to get back in the win column after two consecutive losses when he takes on Sean Brady in the main event of UFC Fight Night 242 this weekend.

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Kamaru Usman quotes Conor McGregor while targeting Belal Muhammad

Kamaru Usman has continued to exchange words with Belal Muhammad. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' recently targeted 'Remember the Name' after Pound 4 Pound co-host Henry Cejudo claimed becoming a champion has made the latter cocky, stating:

"Imagine how I feel. I'm like, 'who the f**k is this guy, who the f**k is that guy?' I didn't know who this guy was a couple years ago, or last year. I didn't hear his name. I don't even remember his name... He paid for someone to do a diss song... That song was as corny as can be. Looking at a golden belt? I have six of them in the room next door. Yeah, I can look at belts all day and if I want his belt, I'm going to take his belt."

Check out Kamaru Usman's comments on Belal Muhammad below:

Usman criticized Muhammad for claiming that he and Shavkat Rakhmonov should fight in a title eliminator. He also noted that he is not afraid of anyone, citing his willingness to fly across the world to fight Khamzat Chimaev on short notice.