Gilbert Burns had no intention of strolling away from the game heading into his final UFC battle.
Burns stepped again into the Octagon final Saturday after practically a 12 months on the sidelines, headlining UFC Winnipeg in opposition to Canadian prospect Mike Malott on the Canada Life Centre in Manitoba. The end result, although, was removed from what the previous welterweight title challenger envisioned, as he was stopped within the third spherical.
Though “Durinho” confirmed grit and held his personal in opposition to Malott, the tempo and timing largely favored his opponent. Burns was in the end rocked by a heavy proper hook from “Correct”, which set the sequence that led to the end, as a barrage of follow-up strikes on the bottom pressured the referee to step in at 2:08 of the third spherical.
Throughout his post-fight Octagon interview, the 39-year-old Brazilian, Gilbert Burns, positioned his gloves on the canvas and introduced he was bringing the curtain down on a decade-long run within the UFC.
Gilbert Burns Had No Retirement Plans Till UFC Winnipeg Defeat
Throughout a backstage interview with Paramount+, Gilbert Burns revealed he entered the battle in opposition to Mike Malott centered solely on victory, with no ideas of retirement. The choice to stroll away, he defined, got here immediately within the aftermath of his setback at UFC Winnipeg.
“I used to be loopy assured that I used to be going to get the win,” Burns mentioned. “I used to be 1,000 p.c assured that I used to be going to win. I knew if one thing went fallacious, I didn’t need to do that anymore, not due to anybody, however as a result of I’m not displaying my 100%. Perhaps it’s the age or no matter, however I don’t really feel (good). I really feel somewhat caught. I really feel somewhat caught. I can not let go, and I’m like, ‘You already know what? If I can’t win, if I can’t present all the pieces I’ve obtained, I don’t need to do that only for a paycheck.’ I attempted to depart all the pieces, and if I can not do it, it’s superb; we transfer on.”
“Durinho’s” UFC stint got here to a detailed on the again of a tricky five-fight skid, together with his final victory coming in opposition to former BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287 in April 2023. Gilbert Burns had beforehand put collectively a dominant six-fight successful streak, which earned him a title shot in opposition to former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, the place he was knocked out within the third spherical.
Burns compiled a 15-10 report within the UFC, highlighted by notable victories over Demian Maia, Neil Magny, and Tyron Woodley, whereas ending his skilled profession with an general report of 22-10.
