Gunnar Nelson (17-4-1) was supposed to face former title challenger Thiago Alves (23-14) at UFC in Denmark, but the Brazilian has withdrawn due to injury. Now “Gunni” will face Brazlian Gilbert Burns (16-3) at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen on September 28.
Stepping in late is nothing new for the three-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion as he stepped in on short notice Laureano Staropoli to take on Alexey Kunchenko at UFC Uruguay in August. The grappler has won an impressive 5 out of 6 bouts, with his only stumble was a KO to Dan Hooker back in 2018. He made his UFC debut against Viking Andreas Ståhl back in 2014, where he won by unanimous decision.
Unfortunately due to very unexpected illness I am forced to withdraw from this fight. My focus now is to get 100% healthy so I can get back to do what I love. I should be back in the octagon November/December. Thanks @ufc and @seanshelby for opportunity to chase my dreams. Osss https://t.co/Ig4mjmPpyC
— Thiago Pitbull Alves (@ThiagoAlvesATT) September 12, 2019
The Mjolnir fighter is coming off a close loss to Leon Edwards (17-3) in the co-main event of the UFC London card in March. Nelson has won his last 3 of 5 bouts in the Octagon and has never lost two bouts in a row. The bout in Copenhagen is the co-main event of the first trip to Denmark.
