The gloves came off, and with them, the curtain fell on a remarkable career. In the main event of UFC Winnipeg, former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns was knocked out by surging Canadian prospect Mike Malott. In the aftermath, the beloved Brazilian veteran placed his gloves in the center of the Octagon, signaling his retirement from the sport.
Addressing the crowd in Winnipeg's Canada Life Centre, Burns was gracious in defeat. "Thank you, Canada. I work so hard. I worked very hard for this fight," he told commentator Paul Felder. "I know Mike was going to fight at home. He was going to bring everything. I put on a great camp. I sacrificed so much. I left no stone unturned... I couldn't show it. Shout out to Mike Malott; he did a good job."
With a tone of finality, he reflected on his journey. "I work so hard, but I think that's it. I had a great career. I fought so hard. I wanted to win so bad. I think that's it. I fought the best guys in the world — No. 1 pound-for-pound fighters, former champions. I never said no to a fight. I think that's it, but I'm content. I fought everybody."
Burns's UFC legacy is one of relentless courage and elite skill. A world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner before his MMA debut, he joined the promotion in 2014. After a solid run at lightweight, his move to welterweight in 2019 catapulted him into title contention. A four-fight win streak earned him a shot at champion Kamaru Usman in 2021, a fight where he famously dropped the champion before succumbing in the third round.
His resilience defined him. He bounced back to defeat Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and then engaged in an unforgettable war with Khamzat Chimaev—a fight still hailed as Chimaev's toughest test. Victories over Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal followed, cementing his status as a fan favorite known for his aggressive style and iron will.
Though his career closed on a five-fight skid against the division's elite, Gilbert Burns leaves the sport with his head held high. He embodied the fighter's spirit, facing every challenge without hesitation and leaving absolutely nothing in the tank. For a competitor who left no stone unturned, his legacy as one of the welterweight division's most respected and exciting warriors is firmly intact.