“He has to win to keep his job”

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is well aware that his brother Herbert has to win this weekend.

The younger Burns sibling is one of those who will make the walk to take part in the preliminary round of the numbered UFC 305 event, scheduled to take place at the RAC Arena in Perth.

The experienced featherweight stepped in at short notice and replaced the injured Gavin Tucker to share the cage with Australian Jack Jenkins.

It is a key match for the 36-year-old Burns, who has lost three straight fights by technical knockout since extending his winning streak to five with a submission of Evan Dunham in early 2020.

Herbert has undoubtedly received plenty of brotherly support and encouragement in the lead up to UFC 305. But also a reality check, as “Durinho” made sure “The Blaze” knew what was at stake…

Gilbert Burns: UFC 305 fight a matter of life or death for brother Herbert's Octagon career

During a recent episode of his Show me the money In the podcast, Burns looked ahead to the upcoming numbered event, paying special attention to his sibling's planned appearance in the cage.

“Durinho” was aware of what was at stake for Herbert with the fight, given his losing streak and underwhelming performances, and pointed out that if he did not report Down Under, his UFC career would be over.

“My brother is going through a very rough time, to be honest,” Burns said. “He had a shoulder injury and two LCL surgeries in a row. He lost the last fight by TKO; no confidence before the fight, a lot of insecurity. And (now) with three losses, brother. So he has must win.

“It's going to be tough. I can't be impartial on this fight; it's my little brother,” Burns continued. “He's got to win this fight to keep his job. If he loses, we know he's out, he's got no chance. I talked to him last night … he's fighting there on Sunday at 8 a.m. … He's acclimating very, very well. But Jack Jenkins, this guy has a good heart, some crazy leg kicks, hits hard, is durable. Of course I hope my brother wins, but the conversation we had before he left was something like, 'Brother, definitely leave it all in that cage.'”

Burns hopes to get back at his brother with his first win since 2020 and a decisive rebound performance after a difficult series of knockout setbacks.

Should the 36-year-old Brazilian accomplish that feat this weekend at the expense of the homegrown fighter, he would set the stage for his brother's pivotal fight. Gilbert will headline a UFC Fight Night at the Apex alongside Sean Brady early next month.