Gilbert Burns is in a reflective mood ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 106.
The former welterweight title challenger is on a three-fight losing skid and desperately needs to beat 17-0 rising star Michael Morales at the UFC APEX on Saturday night.
Ahead of his latest outing, Gilbert Burns has looked back at the fight that brought him money and fame.
‘Durinho’ pushed Khamzat Chimaev to the brink of his first defeat when they went to war for three pulsating rounds in a UFC 273 fight that is remembered as one of the greatest 15-minute fights in MMA history.
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Gilbert Burns discusses the impact of Khamzat Chimaev fight
Burns suffered a decision defeat, but he emerged from the fight more popular than ever.
More fans led to more financial opportunities for the 38-year-old Brazilian submission specialist.
Three years later, Burns admits the money and fame distracted him from his goal of becoming a world champion.
“I think it got way too big after the Chimaev fight,” he told Home of Fight.
“I got a lot of fans. I got a lot of recognition, which is not a bad thing. It was good. There were a lot of opportunities, a couple of sponsors, and fans recognized me everywhere. It built up my platform to a different level.
“You kind of get caught up with this a little bit, making money, traveling, and getting recognition.
“That took me slowly away from my path. That ‘Durinho’ that trains really hard, that wants to become a champion. It’s not a bad thing to have financial growth, but it kind of took me a little bit out of my path.”
Gilbert Burns only loses to the very best
Being 0-3 is never great, but a quick look at Burns’ recent record shows he’s not on the decline.
A unanimous decision defeat to former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad started the losing streak in May 2023.
Burns followed that up with a KO loss to current 170lb king Jack Della Maddalena, who was down on the cards before mounting an incredible comeback win at UFC 299 in March 2024.
Last time out, Burns was outpointed by Sean Brady, who has since tapped out Leon Edwards.
Morales has never fought anyone on the level of Burns or the opponents who have recently beaten him.
He’ll need a career-best performance to hand Burns his fourth consecutive loss at UFC Vegas 106.