UFC Star Confesses ‘Money and Fame’ From Khamzat Chimaev Super Fight Hurt Career Ambitions

UFC welterweight veteran Gilbert Burns talks about losing his focus following his fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

UFC Star Confesses ‘Money and Fame’ From Khamzat Chimaev Super Fight Hurt Career Ambitions

Gilbert Burns says the money after the Khamzat Chimaev fight ruined his fighting career (via MMA Fighting)

Training hard, staying consistent and winning bouts with millions of dollars in the account isn’t an easy task for anyone. Throughout their lives, fighters work hard in order to make money, but it can also affect their professional careers heavily. Gilbert Burns remains the prominent example, whose dedication wavered after his UFC 273 war with Khamzat Chimaev shocked the world.

Despite losing the bout, the Brazilian got popular following his clash with Chimaev and later went through a massive downfall. The fighter is currently on a three-fight losing streak, and has lost his position as one of the top welterweights. In a recent interview, Burns spoke candidly about how the fight against Chimaev changed his life and also had a negative effect. 

I got a lot of fans, a lot of recognition, which is not a bad thing. It was good. A lot of opportunities, a couple of sponsors, the fans recognized me everywhere. It built up my platform to a different level. Then you kind of get caught up in it a little bit. Making money, traveling, getting recognition. That took me slowly away from my path, from that ‘Durinho’ that trains hard, that wants to become a champion. It was not a bad thing to have that financial growth, but it kind of took me a little bit out of my path.

Gilbert Burns via Home of Fight 

Chimaev and Burns delivered a brutal, back-and-forth war that tested both fighters’ toughness and technical abilities. Chimaev started strong with pressure and reach advantage, but Burns responded fiercely with powerful hooks that stunned the rising Chechen star. Despite moments of trouble, the ‘Borz’ maintained composure, adjusted his strategy, and showcased surprising durability against the welterweight veteran.

Before the fight, Chimaev was running through everybody but that fight made him look human and beatable. It was a three-round fight and it exposed Chimaev’s lack of cardio, which others have tried to take advantage of but failed. Burns did manage to continue the momentum by winning two more bouts, but later lost to top contenders. 

Jack Della Maddalena and Sean Brady were the last two fighters to defeat Burns. One of them reached championship glory and the other became a top contender. At 38 years old, ‘Durinho’ faces skepticism regarding a comeback, though MMA unpredictability always leaves room for surprises. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev has moved to middleweight, now standing as a dominant, undefeated top contender with championship aspirations.

Khamzat Chimaev to become the next middleweight champion? 

Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight transition has been dominant, showcasing elite grappling and growing maturity in high-stakes fights. He first defeated former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision, controlling the pace and neutralizing Usman’s overwhelming wrestling offense. Against Robert Whittaker, Chimaev stunned the world by submitting the former champ and breaking his jaw in round one.

Khamzat Chimaev is predicted to win the middleweight belt
Khamzat Chimaev is predicted to win the middleweight belt (via X)

This dominant run earned Chimaev a title shot, as champion Dricus Du Plessis expressed strong interest in facing the undefeated contender. The highly anticipated title clash is set for UFC 319 in Chicago, where both fighters aim to solidify their legacies. Ahead of the showdown, Chimaev’s former teammate, Darren Till, predicted a dominant victory for the Russian, backing his relentless style. 

With respect, I’m never gonna look past Dricus because he’s super dedicated. He’s super strong. He’s got that awkward style that doesn’t make any sense. I think Khamzat will beat him inside two rounds. I really do believe that. I was speaking to Khamzat on FaceTime the other day because I was meant to be going off to Dubai to help with the camp. Khamzat knows it’s a tough fight. But, Khamzat trains like a beast.

Darren Till via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Despite his weird fighting style, DDP has proved multiple times that he always finds a way to win. His recent title wins against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland are a testament to his fighting IQ. However, fighting against hungry Chimaev is definitely the biggest challenge for the South African champion.

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