In a move that has the grappling world buzzing, UFC BJJ has pulled off a major signing just weeks after Gilbert Burns hung up his MMA gloves. The former UFC title contender and Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion is returning to his roots, and fans couldn't be more excited.

Burns, who announced his retirement from MMA following a hard-fought main event loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg in April, isn't one to stay idle for long. Multiple sources have confirmed to MMA Fighting that the 39-year-old has inked a deal with UFC BJJ, marking a full-circle moment for the Brazilian grappling ace. While an official debut date hasn't been announced, insiders expect Burns to step onto the mats within the next few months.

For those who followed his MMA career, Burns' return to jiu-jitsu feels like a homecoming. Before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2012, he was already a decorated competitor in the gentle art, winning gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011 and capturing the 2010 IBJJF no-gi world title. His resume from that era reads like a who's who of grappling royalty, with notable wins over Kron Gracie, Leandro Lo, and Celso Venicius.

During his UFC tenure, which spanned from 2014 to 2026, Burns compiled a respectable 15-10 record and notched victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, and Jorge Masvidal. He also kept his grappling sharp during that time, picking up submission wins over Rafael Lovato Jr., Jake Shields, AJ Agazarm, and Gleison Tibau in various grappling events.

Now, as he approaches his 40th birthday in July, Burns is shifting his focus back to what started it all. His post-retirement plans also include working as an MMA manager and running his own gym in the United States, but for now, all eyes are on his return to competitive jiu-jitsu.

UFC BJJ's next event is scheduled for May 21 at the Meta APEX, featuring a stacked card headlined by two title matches: Mikey Musumeci vs. Kevin Dantzler and Cassia Moura vs. Bia Basilio. While Burns won't be on that card, his debut is expected to follow shortly after. As of now, an opponent for the former world champion has yet to be announced, but one thing is certain—the jiu-jitsu community will be watching closely.