A Closer Look at the Career of Gilbert Burns
A Closer Look at the Career of Gilbert Burns explores the Brazilian veteran’s rise through the UFC welterweight division, his championship pursuit, signature victories, and what lies ahead in one of MMA’s most competitive weight classes.
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Welterweight is one of the most stacked divisions in the UFC today. 170 is full of sensational fighters who know how to get their hands raised on any given night. Now that Islam Makhachev is the champion, the division's landscape has changed. One fighter who can cause upsets and make his way back up the rankings is Gilbert Burns. From Brazil to the brightest lights of the UFC, his journey has been one of grit and triumph. With his hunger still burning, more defining wins could await.
The Career of Gilbert Burns
Burns' MMA game is built on a steadfast Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation. Before transitioning into MMA, the 39-year-old had a sensational BJJ career, earning a black belt and winning the IBJJF World Championships. However, the move to MMA paid off, as Burns made his way to the UFC.
After spending some time in the lightweight division, he moved up a weight and looked like a completely new fighter at 170. He went on an incredible run, securing significant victories over the likes of Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley. That run of results would earn Burns a title shot against Kamaru Usman. After losing that contest, he would bounce back with a dominant win over Stephen Thompson and push Khamzat Chimaev all the way. The momentum would start to build again thanks to wins over Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal. At this moment in time, the Brazilian has a professional record of 22-9 with six knockouts and nine submission victories. Setbacks have come against some of the division's finest in Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddelena, Sean Brady, and Michael Morales. Yet fighting the very best only sharpens legacies, and Burns's next chapter in the division promises to be compelling.
The Welterweight Landscape
As stated before, the welterweight division is stacked with talent. There are an abundance of challengers ready to take on Makhachev for this belt. Usman has been a name at the top of everybody's list, arguably the greatest welterweight of all time, who is coming off a fantastic win over Joaquin Buckley. Of course, you have many other candidates, such as Ian Garry and Morales. The Usman fight seems interesting because he is a tremendous wrestler and can mix it up on the feet when needed.
Furthermore, he has extensive experience in title fights and knows what it's like to compete on the biggest stages. No matter who gets their next shot at the belt, it will be well deserved. Yet, throughout the division, the talent is evident, and many exciting matchups could be in store for Burns on his return.
Who Could Be Next for Burns
There are several tremendous dance partners Burns could enter the octagon against next. The first name that comes to mind is Leon Edwards. Edwards is coming off a loss against Carlos Prates and will be looking to get back to winning ways. It could make for an interesting contest because both fighters are in similar positions in their careers. A matchup with Daniel Rodriguez could be intriguing, as he is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland. There are so many matchups, but one thing is for sure: no matter who he faces, it is going to be an intriguing contest.
Burns has always carried danger in his hands and fire in his heart. Whatever path he chooses, more excitement is guaranteed to follow.
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