Gilbert Burns has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition. The announcement follows his loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg. Burns had a distinguished UFC career primarily in the welterweight division. No additional details about the circumstances of his retirement decision or future plans were provided in the post. The announcement appears to have been made shortly after his most recent fight. Burns has been a top contender in the welterweight division for several years.
Gilbert Burns has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, bringing an end to a lengthy career that established him as one of the most dangerous welterweights in UFC history. The Brazilian fighter made the announcement following his loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg.
Burns, known by his nickname "Durinho," finishes his career with a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses. The 39-year-old from Brazil competed out of Kill Cliff FC and spent the majority of his UFC tenure as a fixture in the welterweight division, where he held a ranking of 13th at the time of his retirement. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns was a well-rounded threat who averaged 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent grappling danger with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Burns spent years as a top welterweight contender, and his departure removes a seasoned veteran from a division already in flux
- His exit at No. 13 in the rankings creates movement in the 170-pound standings
- The timing, coming immediately after the Malott defeat, suggests the loss played a role in his decision to step away from competition
Burns had long been considered one of the more complete fighters in the welterweight class, capable of hurting opponents on the feet and finishing bouts on the ground. He retires at 39, having competed at the highest level of the sport for a significant portion of his career. No details regarding future plans beyond fighting were included in his announcement.
