Gilbert Burns: Elite Danger or Fading Force in the UFC Welterweight Division?

The welterweight division has always been a shark tank, but few sharks have teeth as sharp as Gilbert Burns. Yet lately, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard seems to be swimming upstream against the current. “Durinho” remains one of the most respected names at 170 pounds, but his recent octagon results have left fans and analysts wondering: is the elite contender starting to fade?

I’ve followed Burns since his lightweight days, and something feels different now.

The Downward Trend That Can’t Be Ignored

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Burns has dropped three of his last four fights. These weren’t losses to nobodies, either. We’re talking defeats to world champion Leon Edwards, the undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev, and most recently, the surging Belal Muhammad at UFC 288.

When you’re competing at the absolute pinnacle of the sport, every setback matters. And for a 37-year-old veteran with significant fight mileage, these losses raise legitimate questions about his championship ceiling.

Elite-Level Losses Still Show His Value

Before we write Burns off, let’s remember who he’s losing to. His last three defeats came against the division’s absolute cream of the crop. The Chimaev fight was particularly telling – Burns pushed the undefeated Chechen to his absolute limit in what many consider one of 2022’s best fights.

What’s more impressive is how Burns performs even in defeat. Against Chimaev, he had moments where he badly hurt the seemingly unstoppable prospect. Against Belal, he remained dangerous until the final bell.

You don’t see Burns getting blown out of the water. He’s competitive with literally anyone the UFC puts in front of him.

The Technical Evolution That’s Being Overlooked

What often goes unnoticed about Burns is how he’s evolved from a pure grappler into a legitimate striking threat. Remember when he dropped Tyron Woodley multiple times? Or when he had Usman on wobbly legs early in their title fight?

His right hand has developed into a legitimate weapon, complementing his world-class ground game. Few fighters at welterweight represent such a complete threat in all phases of combat.

The reality is this: Burns might be the division’s most underrated gatekeeper. If you can beat Gilbert Burns, you’re ready for a title shot. It’s that simple.

Age and Mileage: The Undefeated Opponents

At 37, Burns is facing the one opponent no fighter ever defeats: Father Time. The Brazilian has been competing at an elite level in both MMA and BJJ for well over a decade. That accumulation of training camps, weight cuts, and fight damage adds up.

We’re seeing a trend where Burns starts strong but fades in the later rounds – a potential sign that his cardiovascular system isn’t recovering the way it once did. Against Muhammad, this was particularly evident as Belal pulled away in rounds four and five.

This doesn’t mean Burns is “done” – far from it. But it might indicate that his path to victory is narrowing. He needs to capitalize early before his gas tank depletes.

What’s Next for Durinho?

Burns finds himself in a precarious position. Too good to face unranked opposition, yet coming off losses that push him away from title contention. The UFC will likely match him with another established welterweight coming off a loss.

Names like Jorge Masvidal (should he return), Stephen Thompson (in a rematch), or even the winner of Michael Chiesa vs. Sean Brady make sense. Burns serves as the perfect litmus test for any welterweight with championship aspirations.

What you can expect is that Burns won’t go quietly. His fighting spirit remains undiminished, even as physical realities change. When the octagon door closes, Burns still brings a level of danger few can match.

The Burns Legacy: Already Secure Regardless of What’s Next

Regardless of where Burns goes from here, his legacy as one of Brazil’s finest MMA exports is secure. From world champion BJJ practitioner to UFC title challenger, he’s consistently faced the best and often beaten them.

Burns represents the complete martial artist – technically proficient, tactically sound, and mentally resilient. His willingness to face anyone, including the feared Chimaev when others wouldn’t, speaks volumes about his character.

While the recent record might suggest a fighter on the decline, don’t count out the heart of a champion. Gilbert Burns might have one more title run left in him – and that’s what makes watching his next moves so compelling.

What Do You Think?

Is Gilbert Burns still a title threat, or should he embrace a gatekeeper role in the welterweight division? Has his recent skid changed how you view his fighting future? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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