Gilbert Burns retires after UFC Winnipeg loss: ‘If I cannot win'
Gilbert Burns retired Saturday night after Mike Malott stopped him in the third round at UFC Winnipeg, bringing an end to a five-fight losing streak and a welterweight run that once had him knocking on the door of a title.
Burns told the Paramount+ post-fight show he entered the main event confident he would win but decided in the moment that if he could not perform at his best, it was time to walk away. “I was 1,000 percent confident that I was going to win,” Burns said, per 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.”
Burns leaves behind wins over Woodley, Thompson, and Masvidal
The 39-year-old Brazilian fought Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 258 in 2021 and went to war with Khamzat Chimaev in one of the division’s most memorable bouts. He beat Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson, Neil Magny, and Jorge Masvidal during his time at 170 pounds but never shied from ranked opponents even as his run soured. According to Sherdog, Burns never turned down a fight to protect his ranking, a choice he said he was proud of despite the outcome.
Burns said he made enough money during his UFC tenure to own his home, invest, and provide for his wife and children. He told the post-fight show he plans to open a gym in south Florida with friend Vagner Rocha and pursue MMA management. “I’m content with my career,” Burns said. “We always want to become the champion, the No. 1. I tried as hard [as I could]. I tried so much. I gave my life to that. I bleed. I sweat.”
Burns retires at 22-10 overall. UFC Winnipeg took place Saturday at Canada Life Centre.
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