The UFC has been the talk of the town recently, with nonstop action and major shifts across divisions. From Islam Makhachev’s rise to dominance to new champions emerging from the shadows, the sport is buzzing with storylines. Now, UFC veteran Gilbert Burns has stirred controversy ahead of his fight by calling out who he sees as the most overrated fighter in the Dana White-led promotion — Colby Covington, a close ally of Donald Trump.
Speaking on the Pound for Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns was asked to name the most overrated fighter in the UFC. Burns didn’t hesitate to name Colby Covington.
“The most overrated? Everybody’s very tough in there. Jack [Della Maddalena], Sean Brady, Belal [Muhammad], Shavkat [Rakhmonov], Ian [Machado Garry] is very, very tough. Yeah, Covington is overrated. Colby Covington is an easy fight for anyone in the top 10. Easiest fight. Right now, not when you [Kamaru Usman] fought him but right now,” Burns said.
Gilbert Burns reveals his most overrated fighter #UFC pic.twitter.com/irL0BVaNQL
— Pound 4 Pound (@pound4poundshow) May 15, 2025
While he acknowledged the toughness of rising contenders like Jack Della Maddalena, Sean Brady, Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry, Burns singled out Covington as no longer being a real threat. He believes Covington has fallen behind and is now the easiest fight in the top 10.
Gilbert Burns Shares His Thoughts On Why He Took Michael Morales’ Fight
Meanwhile, this weekend is crucial for Burns as he looks to prove he still belongs among the UFC’s elite. Currently on a three-fight losing streak, Burns is under pressure to deliver. Ahead of his bout, he explained why he accepted the challenge against rising star Michael Morales. According to Burns, Morales earned this opportunity with an impressive 17-0 record at just 25 years old. He acknowledged that the young prospect deserves this moment, showing respect despite the high stakes.
Now at UFC Vegas 106, with three straight losses, his back is against the wall, but if history has shown anything, it’s that Burns thrives in adversity. He keeps proving he’s a different kind of beast, rising every time the odds are against him. As he faces an unbeaten Michael Morales, all eyes will be on whether the veteran can bounce back and reassert his place among the division’s elite.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Calls Out UFC Champ Islam Makhachev With Intense Training Video