Gilbert Burns arrives at UFC Vegas 106 facing a significant challenge, having suffered three consecutive losses for the first time in his 13-year professional career. He sees his upcoming fight against the highly-regarded, undefeated (17-0) welterweight Michael Morales as the perfect stage to launch a dramatic, movie-style career revival.
Burns is set to headline the UFC Fight Night card in Las Vegas. The bout was originally slated for the UFC 315 lineup in Canada the previous weekend, but “Durinho” revealed it had been postponed multiple times before that, shifting locations weekly from Miami, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Montreal, before finally being scheduled for the UFC APEX.
Despite the delays, Burns found a positive side, stating that “it was good, because it gave me more time to prepare and study this guy.”
Since early 2020, Gilbert Burns has maintained one of the busiest fight schedules in the UFC. During this period, the decorated jiu-jitsu world champion faced a string of elite opponents, including former champion Kamaru Usman, Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson, Khamzat Chimaev, Jorge Masvidal, Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady. His record over these fights stands at 5-5, a run that prompted difficult self-reflection after his most recent setback.
Following his decision loss to Sean Brady in September 2024, Burns was contacted by Vagner Rocha, a jiu-jitsu veteran who had previously decided to stop cornering fighters after witnessing knockout losses for both Burns and Marlon Moraes. Rocha reached out to “Durinho” after the Brady fight.
“He was black and white, hard honest talk, speaking truths that I needed to hear. It was hard to listen, actually,” Burns said of Rocha`s feedback. He detailed that Rocha “talked about training, potential, about everything I wasn’t doing, what I should do, about injuries, about everything. That was at the end of last year.” This conversation led to Rocha expressing a desire to work with Burns again, on the condition of being fully committed. “So we got this partnership and it has changed a lot in my training,” Burns explained. “I’ve done a lot more of jiu-jitsu.”
This discussion with Rocha triggered significant “internal changes” within Burns` team and approach, helping him move past a loss that he found particularly frustrating.
Reflecting on the Brady fight, Burns admitted, “I didn’t make weight well, I didn’t recovered well, I fought with no energy. It wasn’t that ‘Durinho’.” He contrasted it with earlier defeats: “The Durinho that lost to Belal, no problem. I got injured, it happens. Jack, too, I was winning and got knocked out, it happens. I’ve made some mistakes that can be fixed.” However, the last loss felt different: “But that last one was stuck [in my throat] so I had to make some changes. Not much about the fight, but so I can perform the way I perform, you know?”
In preparation for this fight, Burns brought in Lucas Catta Preta, cousin of UFC fighter Vicente Luque, as his nutritionist. Henry Hooft took the lead on the main training camp, with scouting support from Daniel Mendes based in Brazil. These team adjustments, combined with training sessions against taller fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, have left Burns feeling “very confident” heading into the scheduled 25-minute battle with Morales.
Analyzing his opponent, Burns stated, “I have to be smart and follow the strategy we have planned because he’s a very athletic guy.” He described Morales as “very strong, very explosive, too lengthy for the division. It’s one of the longest reaches of the division. He’ll be very dangerous early.” Burns believes Morales`s athleticism sometimes allows him to succeed through “reflexes and speed” rather than solely technical skill. The plan, according to Burns, is to “kind of drown him to end with this explosiveness, speed and athleticism.” He intends to use his skills in “movement, takedowns, control, good defense and attacks.” “That’s what I plan to do,” Burns affirmed. “I think this is the path to victory against him. I’ll have to use all my experience to beat this guy.”
While a four-fight losing streak would be difficult to overcome, especially nearing his 39th birthday, Burns remains confident in his standing within the UFC, feeling his position is secure regardless of the outcome. However, “Durinho” is approaching UFC Vegas 106 with the strong belief that he will emerge victorious. His competitive performance against Jack Della Maddalena, who recently captured the welterweight championship in Montreal, reinforces Burns` conviction that he is still very close to the division`s summit and only requires minor adjustments.
Burns views the Morales fight as essential for returning to winning ways. “This is the fight to go back to the winning track,” he asserted. He accepts that a win might not immediately boost his ranking significantly, stating, “that doesn’t matter.” He highlighted Della Maddalena`s trajectory, who became a top contender after defeating him and went on to win the belt. “I’m coming off a loss, there’s not much I can do,” Burns acknowledged, but added with confidence, “I know [Morales is] tough, but I know I can beat him. I have confidence. I believe I will beat him.” He recognizes the high stakes for both fighters: “But it’s a risk for both of us. Me trying to get back on the winning track and him trying to continue climbing the ranking.”
“I believe I’m two wins away from the mix,” Burns continued, emphasizing the quality of his recent opposition. “I haven’t lost to jabronis, I lost to Kamaru, a champion. I lost to Chimaev, who’s fighting for the belt. I lost to Belal, who became champion. I lost to Jack, who became champion. To Sean Brady, who’s the No. 1 contender now.” He feels his willingness to face the toughest challenges earns him respect from the UFC. “I’m on the path,” he declared, stressing the need to regain momentum and trust the changes he`s implemented. “It’s not far,” he believes. “I believe that a good win over Morales puts me back in the game.” He concluded by articulating his ultimate aspiration: “One more big victory, it’s going to be like a movie, brother. Imagine that, Durinho champion, that’s a movie. It’s on me to believe and turn this movie into reality. Let’s work, let’s do our best to make this happen.”
Marcus Blakely