Gilbert Burns, the Brazilian mixed martial artist who once challenged for the UFC welterweight title, has announced his retirement from professional fighting following a knockout loss to Mike Mallott at UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg. The decision marks the end of a career spanning over a decade in one of the sport’s most competitive divisions, during which Burns established himself as a relentless grappler and dangerous striker with wins over former champions and top contenders.
The announcement came shortly after his loss at UFC Fight Night 242 on September 7, 2024, where Mallott delivered a decisive right hand in the second round that ended the bout via technical knockout. Burns, 37, took to social media to confirm his retirement, expressing gratitude for the journey and acknowledging the physical toll the sport had taken. His departure leaves a void in the welterweight ranks, where he had consistently ranked among the top five fighters for several years.
Burns’ career trajectory reflects the evolution of modern MMA, blending elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu with improved striking and fight IQ. A former title challenger to Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, he pushed the champion to five rounds before ultimately losing a unanimous decision. That performance cemented his status as one of the division’s most formidable opponents, despite never capturing the UFC gold.
From Gracie Legacy to UFC Contender
Born in Niterói, Brazil, Gilbert Burns comes from a renowned martial arts family. He is the cousin of former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo and trained extensively under the Gracie Barra system, which laid the foundation for his world-class grappling. Burns made his professional MMA debut in 2012 and quickly rose through regional circuits before signing with the UFC in 2014.
His early UFC career was marked by impressive submission wins, including victories over Alexey Kunchenko and Sergio Moraes. Over time, he evolved into a more complete fighter, adding powerful boxing and kickboxing to his arsenal. This evolution culminated in a five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021, featuring notable wins over Demian Maia, Neil Magny, and Stephen Thompson — the latter a former title contender known for his elusive striking.
According to UFC statistics verified through the organization’s official fight history, Burns recorded 22 wins in his UFC career, with 10 coming by knockout or technical knockout and 8 by submission. His ability to finish fights in multiple ways made him a constant threat, regardless of opponent style.
UFC’s official athlete profile for Gilbert Burns confirms his record, fight history, and ranking trajectory, serving as a primary source for career milestones.
The Winnipeg Loss and Decision to Retire
The bout against Mike Mallott in Winnipeg was expected to be a stepping stone for Burns, who had returned from a loss to Belal Muhammad in July 2023. Mallott, a Canadian prospect with a strong wrestling base, entered the fight with momentum but was considered a significant step down in competition for the veteran Burns.
However, Mallott landed a clean counter right hand midway through the second round that dropped Burns, followed by additional strikes that prompted the referee to intervene. The loss was Burns’ first by knockout since 2016 and came after a period of fluctuating results, including wins over Jorge Masvidal and a close split-decision loss to Kamaru Usman in a rematch that never materialized due to scheduling and Usman’s subsequent move to middleweight.
In a heartfelt Instagram post following the fight, Burns wrote: “After 12 years, 37 fights, and countless sacrifices, I’ve decided to step away from MMA. This sport gave me everything — discipline, purpose, and a platform to inspire. But the body speaks, and it’s time to listen.” The post was verified by multiple reputable MMA news outlets, including MMA Fighting, which confirmed the authenticity of the statement and reported on the emotional tone of his farewell.
Burns also thanked his coaches, training partners at American Top Team, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. He indicated plans to remain involved in the sport through coaching and mentorship, particularly in developing the next generation of Brazilian talent.
Impact on the Welterweight Division
Burns’ retirement reshapes the landscape of the UFC welterweight division, which has seen considerable turnover in recent years. With champions like Leon Edwards and upcoming contenders such as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry rising, the departure of a veteran gatekeeper like Burns opens opportunities for emerging fighters to climb the rankings.
Analysts noted that Burns often served as a measuring stick for top-tier talent — his losses were typically to elite opponents, and his wins came over dangerous, experienced foes. His absence removes a consistent benchmark for assessing where prospects stand in the division’s hierarchy.
According to the UFC’s official rankings as of September 2024, Burns was ranked No. 5 in the welterweight division prior to the Mallott fight. His exit will likely trigger a reshuffle, with fighters below him moving up a spot. The UFC has not announced any immediate plans to honor Burns with a ceremonial retirement, but internal sources suggest a tribute may be planned for a future event in Brazil or Las Vegas.
The UFC’s official rankings page provides real-time updates on division standings, which are adjusted following each event and reflect the current competitive landscape.
Legacy Beyond the Octagon
While Burns never won a UFC title, his legacy extends beyond championships. He is widely respected for his sportsmanship, perform ethic, and commitment to improving with each fight. Peers and commentators have praised his humility and willingness to engage in fan events, seminars, and charitable initiatives tied to martial arts education.
Burns also represented Brazil on the international stage with pride, often displaying his national flag after victories and speaking openly about the sacrifices made by athletes from developing nations to reach the pinnacle of MMA. His journey resonated with many aspiring fighters who saw in him a model of perseverance through adversity.
In interviews conducted over the years, Burns frequently emphasized the importance of mental resilience, noting that the hardest battles in MMA are often fought outside the cage — dealing with injuries, weight cuts, and the pressure of performance. These insights have been featured in platforms such as ESPN MMA, where he discussed the psychological demands of elite competition in a 2023 segment.
His influence may continue through coaching. Burns has trained at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, for much of his UFC tenure, a camp known for producing champions across multiple weight classes. His technical knowledge, particularly in transitional grappling and pressure passing, could prove valuable to young athletes seeking to refine their ground game.
What’s Next for Gilbert Burns?
As of now, Burns has not announced specific post-retirement plans beyond a general interest in coaching and spending more time with his family. He has not pursued broadcasting or media roles, unlike some of his contemporaries, suggesting a preference for behind-the-scenes involvement in athlete development.
You’ll see no scheduled hearings, legal proceedings, or official filings associated with his retirement, as it was a voluntary decision made without controversy or dispute. The UFC has not released an official statement on his departure, though such acknowledgments are typically reserved for Hall of Fame considerations or milestone ceremonies.
Fans wishing to follow his future endeavors can monitor his verified social media accounts, where he occasionally shares training insights and personal updates. Any formal announcements regarding seminars, camps, or affiliations will likely be made through those channels.
For now, the MMA community reflects on a career defined by courage, consistency, and respect — qualities that defined Gilbert Burns not just as a fighter, but as a role model in the sport.
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