Here’s a bold statement: Gabriel Bonfim’s recent call-out might have been a missed opportunity, and the UFC world is buzzing with why. But here’s where it gets controversial... After a jaw-dropping TKO victory over Randy Brown at UFC Vegas 111, Bonfim set his sights on former interim champion Colby Covington, even threatening to retire him. Sounds thrilling, right? And this is the part most people miss... While Bonfim’s confidence is admirable, Covington’s sporadic fight schedule—only three bouts in four years—makes this matchup seem like a long shot. Enter UFC analyst Anthony Smith, who suggests a more realistic and equally exciting alternative: Gilbert Burns. Smith points out that Covington’s inactivity and silence since his loss to Joaquin Buckley 11 months ago make him an unreliable opponent. Instead, pairing Bonfim with Burns—a high-level jiu-jitsu practitioner ranked #11—feels like a smarter move. But here’s the kicker... Burns is in desperate need of a win after a four-fight losing streak against top contenders like Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad. This matchup could be a win-win: Bonfim gets a credible challenger, and Burns gets a chance to rebound. Now, here’s the controversial question... Is Bonfim’s call-out for Covington a strategic move or a risky gamble? And does Burns deserve this shot, or is he too far removed from his prime? Let’s spark the debate—what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
