UFC Veteran Gilbert Burns Lays Down Gloves After 5-Fight Losing Streak

Gilbert Burns retires after a TKO loss to Mike Mallot in the main event of UFC Winnipeg after 12 years in the promotion.

UFC Veteran Gilbert Burns Lays Down Gloves After 5-Fight Losing Streak

Gilbert Burns retires from MMA (via MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Gilbert Burns announced his retirement after suffering his fifth consecutive loss in the UFC.
  • He lost to Mike Malott via TKO in the third round during the main event in Winnipeg.
  • Burns leaves behind a legacy as a tough competitor in the welterweight division with over a decade in the UFC.

The UFC returned to Winnipeg on April 18, 2026, delivering a welterweight main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott. The fight ended in disappointment for the Brazilian veteran, who suffered his fifth straight loss. Burns’ night concluded in an emotional turn as he announced his retirement. He was joined by his family in the cage for a heartfelt post-fight moment that marked the end of his UFC career.

Burns and Malott opened the main event cautiously, with Malott taking early control through forward pressure and clean punches. He backed Burns to the fence and outlanded him while keeping it standing. Burns tried takedowns, but Malott defended them and stayed in control. His pace broke Durinho’s rhythm. In the third round, Malott dropped Burns and finished him with ground strikes at 2:08 for a TKO.

As Burns neared his 40th birthday in July, the aftermath of the loss showed a fighter at the end of his run, lying on the mat, visibly emotional.

The decorated BJJ grappler was joined by his team, including his brother, Herbert Burns, and his wife, Bruna Burns. He removed his gloves and placed them in the center of the octagon. As Paul Felder entered the cage, the Brazilian veteran composed himself and delivered a heartfelt message.

I work so hard you know but I think that’s it. I think I had a great career. I fought the best guys in the world from No.1 Pound for Pound to former champions, I never said no to a fight. I work very hard for these fights. I know Mike was going to fight at home and he was going to bring everything.

Gilbert Burns via UFC Winnipeg post fight interview

The loss to Mike Malott marked Burns’ fifth straight defeat, a skid that clearly took a toll on the veteran as his career reached its end. His previous outing in May 2025 had resulted in a brutal technical knockout loss to Michael Morales, further extending his downturn. Prior to that, ‘Durinho’ had suffered a unanimous decision loss in a hard-fought grappling contest against Sean Brady in September 2024.

Before that, Burns suffered a major knockout loss to former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299 in March 2024. His losing streak began with a unanimous decision loss in a lackluster bout against Belal Muhammad in May 2023. That stretch marked a sharp downturn after years of contention at the top of the division. His last victory came against Jorge Masvidal in 2023, marking his last win before the skid.

However, these recent defeats do not diminish Gilbert Burns’ standing, as he is still regarded as the toughest test in Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant run. The Brazilian veteran also halted Demian Maia’s resurgence in the welterweight division. His achievements reflect his durability and skill against elite opposition. There is little doubt the UFC will feel the absence of ‘Durinho’ following his retirement.

Gilbert Burns weighs in on the current title picture

Gilbert Burns has been part of the UFC since his July 2014 debut, giving him over a decade of experience in the promotion. Over that span, he built a reputation as a consistent welterweight contender, competing in more than 20 UFC bouts and earning a title shot. His longevity is rooted in a strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, which he developed before transitioning to professional MMA in 2012.

Gilbert Burns
Gilbert Burns (via MMA Mania)

The current UFC welterweight division is awaiting clarity on who will receive the first shot at new champion Islam Makhachev. Fighters such as Ian Garry, Kamaru Usman, and Michael Morales have all been in contention as potential challengers. Burns recently offered his assessment on which of these names presents the best chance of defeating the Dagestani champion.

Morales is huge, but I do believe eventually Islam will be able to control him, make him tired, and get a late finish. I think Ian Garry and Kamaru Usman are very difficult fights for Islam Makhachev and not easy at all.

Gilbert Burns via MMA Fighting

Makhachev had identified Usman as a strong option for his first title defense, given the Nigerian Nightmare’s dominant legacy. However, recent reports suggest that once Makhachev recovers from injury, a bout against Ian Garry is being targeted for International Fight Week or August. Gilbert Burns’ assessment adds perspective on which matchups may challenge the champion most.

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