Gilbert Burns believes Colby Covington will shy away from a fight against undefeated rising star Khamzat Chimaev. 

Burns went three rounds against the Chechen-born phenom at UFC 273 before losing a controversial decision that many think should have gone the other way.

The Brazilian is chasing a rematch but understands Chimaev, now ranked No 3 in the division, will be looking upwards towards the summit of the division. 

Leon Edwards, ranked No 2, is expected to have a date announced soon for his title shot against Kamaru Usman. 

So Covington would be the logical next step for Chimaev to take as he bids to remain undefeated and earn an opportunity for the belt. 

But Burns is skeptical, claiming Covington prefers taking fights against competitors coming off a defeat. 

He told MMA Junkie: 'That’s a tough fight, but first thing is first – Colby has to accept the fight and I don’t think he will.

'I don’t know why, but I just have a feeling he won’t accept the fight. That’s the feeling that I have.  

'I think it will be a very tough fight, a very, very close fight. But I just don’t think he’ll say yes. I just don’t think. Maybe Belal [Muhammad] is there and they make Belal vs. Khamzat. I said I’ll be ready for a rematch, so we’ll see. I want big fights, that’s what I’m looking for next. But I don’t think Colby will fight Khamzat.'

Burns added: 'Lately, he’s just getting the fights against guys that are coming off a loss and he picks and chooses. 

'I just don’t think he will do it. I don’t know. It’s a feeling that I have. He’s not taking this fight.'

Even though Burns lost the fight against Chimaev on the scorecards, he emerged with plenty of credit. 

Chimaev had only absorbed one significant strike in his first four fights in the UFC but found the former title challenger a far tougher prospect. 

Burns dropped Chimaev in the second and weathered a storm to land more than 100 strikes across 15 minutes of what must surely be considered a Fight of the Year contender.