Gilbert Burns

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Gilbert Burns – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn about Gilbert Burns — Brazilian mixed martial artist (born July 20, 1986), his journey in BJJ and UFC, key fights, style, legacy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Gilbert Alexander Pontes Burns, commonly known by his nickname “Durinho,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and elite grappler born on July 20, 1986.

He competes in the Welterweight division of the UFC (after earlier stints at Lightweight) and is widely respected for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu credentials, submission skills, and all-round fight game.

In this article, we’ll explore his early life, grappling roots, MMA career, style and strategies, famous quotes, lessons from his career, and his ongoing legacy.

Early Life & Grappling Roots

Gilbert Burns was born in Niterói, in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.

His introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came by a barter his father made: he offered to repair a client’s car in exchange for martial arts lessons for Gilbert and his siblings.

Burns trained early at Associação Oriente (a Nova União affiliate in Niterói) under instructors such as Rafael “Fofitio” Barros.

He competed successfully in BJJ tournaments:

• In 2009, he earned a silver medal at the IBJJF World Championship.

• In 2010 and 2011 he achieved further distinction, including Brazilian Nationals and a world title at black belt level.

• He also medaled in submission grappling tournaments like ADCC.

These achievements helped build his reputation as a dangerous grappler even before he fully transitioned into MMA.

MMA Career & UFC Journey

Turning Pro & Early Fights

Burns made his professional MMA debut in 2012, focusing first on regional circuits in Brazil.

He joined the UFC in 2014.

In his UFC debut (on short notice) he fought Andreas Stahl at UFC on Fox 12 and won by unanimous decision.

He then dropped to Lightweight for some fights, earning a first-round submission win over Christos Giagos at UFC 179.

Move to Welterweight & Rise

In 2019, Burns moved up to Welterweight, which proved beneficial for him.

He recorded notable wins over fighters such as Alexey Kunchenko, Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley, Jorge Masvidal, and Neil Magny.

He earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC.

In 2021, Burns challenged Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 258, though he was defeated by TKO in the third round.

He continued to remain competitive in the division, accumulating wins and occasional losses against top-tier opponents.

As of August 2025, he is ranked around #11 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Recent Performance & Challenges

In recent years Burns has taken tougher matchups and gone through ups and downs.

He faced Sean Brady at UFC Vegas 97 and suffered a loss, which marked his third consecutive defeat.

At age 38, he has spoken about the difficulties of recovery, injuries, and maintaining top form, while still aiming for one last push toward the title.

Burns continues to express confidence in his abilities:

“Whenever I’m at my best … I still feel like I can beat so many guys out there.”

He hopes for rematches and title opportunities, particularly seeking to face Belal Muhammad again.

Style, Strengths & Fighting Philosophy

Burns is a well-rounded fighter but many view him as a submission or grappling specialist with striking competence.

Strengths

• Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: His grappling is top-tier, with multiple submissions in his MMA record.

• Versatility: He’s dangerous both on the ground and while standing, often mixing takedowns and striking intelligently.

• Tactical mindset: Burns often adapts mid-fight, balancing aggression and patience.

• Durability and conditioning: He has shown ability to go full 5 rounds and hold up against elite opposition.

Challenges

• Facing some powerful strikers has resulted in knockout losses in his career.

• The physical wear and tear of age and high-level competition presents increasing challenges.

Burns often speaks of fights as tests he must overcome, focusing on decision-making and persistence.

Famous Quotes

Here are several noteworthy quotes attributed to Gilbert Burns:

“I had no MMA record and I was already in Vitor’s corner. I was in the workout room with Rashad Evans, Henri Hooft and Tyrone Spong, and years later I would be part of their team. It’s crazy how life goes.”

“Winning the title is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either.”

“Every fight is a test I have to overcome.”

“I’m a hard worker. I’m a fighter. I’m not gonna be hiding out, waiting, ‘Oh, please give me the opportunity.’ I’m going to take the opportunity.”

“Sometimes the opponent is more cool, sometimes he’s not, but there’s no friendship inside the Octagon, only when the fight is over.”

These quotes reflect his mindset of grit, self-belief, determination, and the hard reality of competitive sport.

Lessons from Gilbert Burns’ Journey

1. Master your foundations. Burns’ deep BJJ background gave him a base on which to build a durable MMA career.

2. Adaptation is key. Moving to welterweight, refining striking, and evolving tactics allowed him to remain competitive.

3. Persistence in adversity. Losses and physical challenges are part of a fighter’s path; resilience matters.

4. Seize opportunities. He states he refuses to wait passively for chances—he fights to create them.

5. Holistic approach. A fighter’s life requires not just physical training but recovery, strategy, and mental toughness, especially with age.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Gilbert Burns is already a respected name in modern MMA and grappling circles. His legacy likely will include:

• A model of how elite grapplers can transition into top-level MMA success.

• Memorable performances and matchups against top opponents such as Usman, Chimaev, Masvidal.

• Inspiration for Brazilian fighters and grapplers seeking paths into MMA.

• Perhaps, depending on his final fights, the narrative of a late-career push, underscoring that ambition and heart persist even as physical prime wanes.

Though time and injuries may slow him, Burns continues to aim for relevance and a possible title run before he finally steps away.