40 Facts About Gilbert Burns

Early Life and Training

Gilbert Burns' journey into martial arts began at a young age, setting the stage for his future success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA).

1. Burns started his martial arts journey at 12, training alongside his brothers Herbert and Frederick.
2. Their first BJJ instructor was Luis, who introduced them to the sport.
3. The nickname "Durinho" came from his brothers' teammates at Nova Uniao HQ in Rio de Janeiro, meaning "tiny tough guy."
4. Burns' BJJ lineage traces back to Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Andre Pederneiras > Rafael Fofitio > Gilbert Burns.

Achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Burns' prowess in BJJ earned him numerous accolades, establishing him as a formidable grappler before transitioning to MMA.

5. He won 1st place at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011.
6. Burns also secured 1st place at the IBJJF World Championship No-Gi in 2010.
7. He claimed 1st place at the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro in 2010.
8. Burns achieved 1st place at the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals in 2010.
9. He earned 3rd place at the IBJJF European Open in 2009.

Transition to MMA

Burns leveraged his grappling skills to excel in the Octagon, making a name for himself in the UFC.

10. Burns began his MMA career in 2011, competing in various promotions before joining the UFC.
11. He made his UFC debut in 2014, initially competing in the lightweight division.
12. Burns later moved to the welterweight division, where he established himself as a top contender.

Family Ties and Support

Family plays a significant role in Burns' life, both in and out of the Octagon.

13. Burns' younger brother, Herbert Burns, also competes in MMA, fighting in the featherweight division.
14. Burns is married to Bruna Burns, a BJJ expert who supports his career.
15. The couple has three children and remains supportive of each other through thick and thin.
16. Bruna works as a coach at the Academy Combat Club and often shares glimpses of their personal life on social media.
17. Burns considers a pair of undergarments with Bruna's face on them as his lucky charm before every fight.

UFC Career Highlights

Burns has had a remarkable UFC career, filled with exciting fights and notable achievements.

18. Burns has earned four 'Fight of the Night' honors throughout his UFC career.
19. Despite high-profile losses, including a title fight against Kamaru Usman, Burns continues to push forward.
20. Burns has never been submitted in his career, showcasing his submission defense skills.
21. He has secured eight submission victories, primarily using rear-naked chokes and armbars.
22. Burns' training started as part of a business deal where his father fixed a client's car in exchange for BJJ lessons.

Recent and Upcoming Fights

Burns remains a top contender in the UFC welterweight division, with exciting matchups on the horizon.

23. As of March 12, 2024, Burns is ranked #6 in the UFC welterweight rankings.
24. Burns faced a recent setback with a loss to Jack Della Maddalena earlier this year.
25. He is set to face Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Brady.
26. Sean Brady is an undefeated fighter with a strong grappling background.
27. Burns is determined to knock out Sean Brady, leveraging his extensive experience fighting top opponents.

Personal Philosophy and Resilience

Burns' mindset and resilience have been crucial to his success in MMA.

28. Burns believes in learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth.
29. His ultimate goal is to become the UFC Welterweight Champion.
30. Burns has been involved in some controversies, including allegations of using illegal strikes, which were later cleared.
31. All of Burns' judge decisions have been unanimous, showcasing his consistency in the Octagon.
32. Burns has secured five submission wins in the UFC, primarily using rear-naked chokes and armbars.

Grappling Skills and Takedown Success

Burns' grappling skills make him a formidable opponent on the ground.

33. Since 2019, Burns has secured 21 takedowns and taken down 17 of his 22 UFC opponents.
34. Burns believes his extensive experience fighting top opponents will give him an edge over Sean Brady.
35. Defeating Sean Brady could potentially set up a rematch with Belal Muhammad, the current UFC Welterweight Champion.
36. Burns is excited about the current dynamics in the welterweight division, believing it will create more opportunities for fighters like himself.

Family Bonding and Mental Preparation

Burns' family and mental preparation play a crucial role in his career.

37. Burns' family is deeply bonded, often sharing glimpses of their personal life on social media.
38. His mental preparation involves staying positive and focused, even during setbacks.
39. Burns' physical training is rigorous and well-planned, complementing his grappling skills.
40. Burns has a dedicated fan base that supports him through thick and thin.

Gilbert Burns continues to build a legacy as one of the top contenders in the UFC welterweight division. His achievements in BJJ and MMA have cemented his place in the sport, and he remains determined to become the UFC Welterweight Champion.

Gilbert Burns: A True MMA Warrior

Gilbert Burns' journey from a young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy to a top UFC welterweight contender is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, resilience, and family support have been key to his success. Burns' impressive grappling skills, combined with his determination to improve his striking, make him a formidable opponent in the Octagon. Despite setbacks, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: becoming the UFC Welterweight Champion. With a supportive wife, Bruna, and a strong family bond, Burns continues to push forward, learning from every fight. His fans appreciate his exciting performances and unwavering spirit. As he prepares for his next bout against Sean Brady, Burns' experience and grit will undoubtedly shine through. Gilbert Burns is more than just a fighter; he's a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of family.