UFC 287: Brazilian Mario, Bob Ross

Gilbert Burns is slated to co-headline UFC 287 opposite Jorge Masvidal this weekend in Miami. While he usually sports a high-fade crew cut, ‘Durinho’ has grown an enviable afro going into UFC 287.

Burns’ new hairdo has invited a variety of reactions from fans, including hilarious comparisons with renowned afro-sporting personalities. Comparisons included but were not limited to renowned painter Bob Ross, late soul singer Minnie Riperton and Nate Griffin, the Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather of Family Guy Peter Griffin.

While some compared him to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, others found a likeliness between ‘Durinho’ and UFC featherweight Alex Caceres.

Catch more comments below:

“Caceres’ lost brother (that or a Muhammad Ali cartoon)”

“He’s like a saiyan. His hair grows when he gets stronger”

“New mystical fighter unlocked . -Afro Gilbert Burns”

“That’s OUR mushroom”

“Adding Afro to Burns adds 200hp”

“Gilbert burns with an Afro is cool Af! I’m here for it!”

While the majority of MMA fans are seemingly all for Afro Burns, there will always be detractors. A fan wrote:

“Sorry but Gilbert Burns looks like a short bus special kid with that afro and wearing those overalls.”

Gilbert Burns weighs in on the UFC-WWE merger ahead of UFC 287

The UFC’s parent company Endeavor recently acquired 51% stakes in the WWE. As per the new deal, the UFC and WWE will be clubbed together under a new company, albeit Dana White and Nick Khan will continue heading their respective promotions.

The merger has led to widespread concern among fans about one of two possibilities: UFC fighters making WWE appearances or UFC fights being scripted. However, perennial UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is happy about the venture as it opens up more possibilities. ‘Durinho’ is most interested in an opportunity to slap WWE superstar Brock Lesnar.

Explaining his grouse with Lesnar, Burns said during the UFC 287 presser:

“I think both are huge companies that can help each other build even better marketing for each one. I think UFC can learn so much from the WWE and vice versa, and it’s a good opportunity to slap Brock Lesnar in the face. I never met [Brock]. He’s lucky I never met him. I want to slap him because he cannot push DC like that when he came all the way there in the Octagon. I want to slap him in the face.”

Catch Burns’s comments below: