Gilbert Burns Brings the Fire: Welterweight Run
On May 30, 2020, Gilbert Burns defeated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley by unanimous decision over five rounds in Las Vegas. The result established “Durinho” as a serious title contender and showed that his ambitions extended well beyond being a dangerous submission specialist.
The Championship Door Opens
Burns brought a decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu background into MMA, but his rise required more than a threat on the mat. Against Woodley, he proved he could sustain his work across a full main event and beat an opponent with championship experience.
That momentum carried him into UFC 258 on February 13, 2021, against welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Burns threatened early, but Usman recovered and won by third-round TKO, ending the challenger’s bid for the belt.
Danger After Disappointment
Losing a title fight did not erase Burns’ place among the division’s established names. At UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, he defeated Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision after three rounds, adding another former title challenger to his list of victories.
These fights capture the tension in Burns’ career: the ability to pressure accomplished opponents, paired with the risk involved when elite rivals answer back. His grappling makes every scramble consequential, while his willingness to exchange keeps his fights from becoming predictable.
The Woodley victory, Usman title challenge and Masvidal win remain clear milestones in a welterweight run defined by demanding opposition and a readiness to test his full skill set.
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Article Tags
Gilbert Burns, Durinho, Tyron Woodley, Kamaru Usman, Jorge Masvidal, UFC welterweight
