Gilbert Burns retires after UFC Winnipeg knockout loss

Gilbert Burns walked away from mixed martial arts after Mike Malott knocked him out in the third round at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday night, closing the book on a career that included a title shot and some of the most memorable fights at welterweight.

Burns dropped his gloves in the cage following the stoppage at 2:08 of the final frame, per MMA Fighting’s live coverage. The 38-year-old Brazilian had absorbed a right uppercut and left hook that put him on the canvas before Malott swarmed with punches from both hands to force the finish. The loss stretched Burns’ skid to four straight and came nearly a year removed from his last appearance.

Why Burns chose to retire after Malott fight

Burns told the UFC Winnipeg post-fight show he entered the bout confident he would win, but knew immediately after the knockout that his time was up. “I was 1,000 percent confident that I was going to win,” Burns said, according to MMA Fighting. “I knew if something goes wrong, I don’t want to do this no more. Not because of anyone. Because I’m not showing my 100 percent. Maybe the age or whatever but I feel a little stuck. The fire is still there but I’m still a little stuck. I cannot let go. If I cannot win, if I cannot show everything that I have, I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to get just a paycheck.”

The former title challenger retires 22-10 overall and 15-10 in the UFC, with his run including a 2021 title fight against Kamaru Usman and a war against Khamzat Chimaev that stands as one of the most brutal welterweight scraps in recent memory. Burns never dodged ranked opponents during his prime, accepting fights against Stephen Thompson, Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Michael Morales even when turning them down might have preserved his position in the top five.

Sherdog reported that Malott used accurate combination punching and crisp takedown defense to control the pace across all three rounds, building damage on Burns’ face before finishing him against the cage. The Canadian improved to 14-2-1 and logged the biggest win of his career in front of a home crowd at Canada Life Centre. Burns thanked the promotion, his corner, and the fans during an emotional cage interview, with the Winnipeg crowd chanting his name as he spoke.

Burns confirmed to MMA Fighting he plans to pursue MMA management and open a school in south Florida. He leaves the sport financially stable and content with his legacy, despite falling short of a championship. Malott faces a ranked opponent next as he climbs the welterweight ladder.

Photo by Speedy Sandy on Unsplash

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Gilbert Burns explains decision to retire after UFC Winnipeg: ‘If I cannot win … I don’t want to do this’ | MMA Fighting
• mmafighting.com — UFC Winnipeg live blog: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott | MMA Fighting
• sherdog.com — Mike Malott steps up ascent, storms past Gilbert Burns in UFC Winnipeg headliner