UFC star Gilbert Burns has confirmed that the promotion is planning to book him against Jorge Masvidal in his next fight.

As far as entertaining 170-pound fighters go, Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal are up there with the best of them. They’re well-rounded, they always make fun fights, and they aren’t afraid to speak their mind.

It should come as no surprise, then, that there’s been a whole lot of talk recently about the idea of them squaring off in the middle of the Octagon.

The pair have both noted that they’re in favour of the idea but after weeks of speculation and talk, we’re no closer to an official announcement from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The division is in need of some clarity at the top with these two men being among the biggest names. So, with all of that in mind, you’d have to imagine it’ll be just a matter of time before we get some kind of clarity.

During a recent interview, Burns revealed that there is a verbal agreement in place for both men - with the UFC currently looking at possible dates.

“Nothing done yet – a lot of talks about the fight with Masvidal – he verbally agreed. I did too,” Burns said. “They’re just figuring out the date. No date yet. November was too close, so December or January. At least I know I have an opponent. Just figuring out the date right now.”

“No. 1 would be MSG in November, but then he said no for that date,” Burns said. “Now December or January, I can wait like 20 more days to go to Brazil. I’m looking forward to go to the Brazil card.”

The title picture

This Saturday night at UFC 278, Kamaru Usman will defend the UFC welterweight championship against Leon Edwards.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has already been able to see off the challenge of both individuals and the pair have also lost their most recent outings, with Burns falling to Khamzat Chimaev and Masvidal losing to Colby Covington.

The winner may not get another crack at the gold straight away, but they’ll definitely be back in the conversation.