Gilbert Burns says ‘yes-men’ could stand between Khamzat Chimaev & UFC gold

Gilbert Burns believes Khamzat Chimaev has the potential to become a double UFC champion if he follows one crucial piece of advice. The two fighters faced off in an Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight bout in 2022, with Burns emerging victorious. They are now set to meet in a freestyle wrestling match as part of the RAF 13 event on September 18 at the Watsco Center in Miami.

Following his defeat in the welterweight title bout, Chimaev (15-1) has lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland (31-7). Burns thinks Chimaev will return to the sport with renewed vigor and determination. However, he feels that Chimaev's frequent changes in coaching and camps might be holding him back. Chimaev previously trained at the Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden, under head coach Andreas Michael.

Burns believes that Chimaev was performing at his best with this team, suggesting that the Chechen can still bounce back and potentially become a multi-division UFC champion with a stable team and consistent coaching. While Chimaev still has his longtime jiu-jitsu coach Alan "Finfou" Nascimento, he has been switching up his training environment and is now based in the United Arab Emirates.

Burns believes that Chimaev needs a stable team and a constant head coach, comprised of individuals who are not "yes-men" and will provide honest feedback to help him succeed.