MMA is an unforgiving sport, even at the best of times. Primes are short-lived, with brutal training camps and fights taking a massive toll on each fighter’s body. The sport moves quickly, with fans eager to move on from legends to the next flashy contender the moment their time appears to be up. However, today, let us pause and appreciate a warrior whose time in MMA seems to be nearing its end. Gilbert Burns has been part of the UFC’s elite at 170 pounds for several years. A longstanding contender in a brutally tough division, Burns often gets overlooked when it comes to fan respect and appreciation. Mixed martial arts tends to offer that recognition only once a fighter is done, but let’s break the norm.
A Warrior’s Spirit
With 24 UFC fights and a record of 15-9, Gilbert Burns has become a staple at welterweight. Known for his elite jiu-jitsu and never-say-die attitude, “Durinho” has become a true fan favourite. For me, his heart was most evident in his 2023 loss to future champion Belal Muhammad. In just the second round, Burns landed awkwardly, severely tearing both his left AC joint and deltoid. Most fighters would have quit—rightfully so—knowing that facing a relentless wrestler like Muhammad with one functioning arm was an impossible task. But quitting simply isn’t in Gilbert Burns’ vocabulary. He fought through the pain, throwing his wounded arm until the final horn, ultimately losing by decision but winning the admiration of fans worldwide. It was a defining display of the warrior spirit that has defined his career.
A Heroic Attempt
Despite the losses on his record, Burns holds victories over some of the biggest names in UFC history—Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley, and Stephen Thompson. His career peaked during a six-fight winning streak from 2018 to 2020, culminating in a well-earned title shot against former training partner Kamaru Usman. Burns didn’t capture gold that night, but he earned something perhaps more lasting: respect. Dropping the champion in the first round, he made the seemingly indestructible Usman look beatable—if only for a moment—shocking the world and proving he belonged among the sport’s elite.
A Fan’s Fighter
Burns has always been a fighter for the fans. Willing to take on the toughest matchups without hesitation, he walked into the fire time and again—head held high, guns blazing. Nowhere was that more evident than in his Hall of Fame-worthy war with Khamzat Chimaev. Facing the undefeated 10-0 phenom, “Durinho” stood toe-to-toe in a legendary clash that earned the President’s Choice Fight of the Year. Both men were knocked down, only to rise again, exchanging bombs in a chaotic, unforgettable battle. Chimaev may have walked away with the win, but both fighters earned the eternal respect of fans that night. When you fight Gilbert Burns, be prepared for war.
A Career Nearing Its End
To be clear, Burns has not retired, and this is not an obituary for his career. But after four consecutive losses—albeit to top-tier opponents, including two UFC champions—his chances of another title run seem slim. Whether he chooses to retire following his most recent defeat to Michael Morales or continue fighting, one thing is certain: Gilbert Burns is a warrior. A man who has left everything in the cage to entertain and inspire, he will always be a legend in the eyes of true MMA fans. His career may not end in gold, but it will end in the history books.
Gilbert Burns—thank you for your service to the sport. And why not give us fans one more vintage win, for old time’s sake?
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