The curtain has fallen on one of the most respected careers in modern welterweight history. Gilbert Burns announced his retirement following a devastating knockout defeat to Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg, marking the end of an era for Brazilian jiu-jitsu royalty.
Gilbert Burns Retirement Ends Legendary UFC Run
The writing was on the wall when Burns (22-10) hit the canvas courtesy of Malott’s picture-perfect left hook at 2:08 of the third round. What followed was pure class — the 39-year-old veteran removed his gloves and brought his family into the Octagon for an emotional farewell that had the Canadian crowd on their feet.
“I think that’s it,” Burns stated in his post-fight interview, his voice heavy with the weight of finality. “I had a great career. I fought so hard. I wanted to win so bad. I fought the best guys in the world, pound-for-pound, a lot of champions. I never said no to a fight. I’m content.”
Furthermore, Saturday’s defeat extended Burns’s losing streak to five consecutive losses, with three coming via knockout. His last taste of victory came against Jorge Masvidal in April 2023 — a lifetime ago in fight years.
The Legacy of ‘Durinho’ Burns
Since turning professional in 2007 and joining the UFC ranks in 2014, Burns carved out a reputation as the ultimate company man. The Brazilian’s crowning moment came in February 2021 when he challenged his teammate and former pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman for the welterweight crown, only to fall short via third-round knockout.
However, Burns’s résumé reads like a who’s who of welterweight excellence. Victories over Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley, and Stephen Thompson cemented his status amongst the elite. His barnburner with Khamzat Chimaev in April 2022 earned Fight of the Night honours despite a unanimous decision defeat — a perfect encapsulation of Burns’s never-say-die mentality.
Meanwhile, Mike Malott (13-2-1) continues his meteoric rise. The Ontario native secured his fourth straight victory and could well find himself knocking on the door of the welterweight top 10. For Burns though, this is where the story ends — and what a story it’s been.
The sport has lost a true warrior. Like other recent UFC retirements, Burns’s departure marks another chapter closing in mixed martial arts history.
