What is “Durinho” fighting for?
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns returns to action this weekend, headlining UFC Winnipeg against surging Canadian Mike Malott inside Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Burns enters the bout on the worst losing streak of his professional career — four straight defeats, including two by finish. That said, the competition hasn’t been easy, with losses coming against elite names, including former champions and
top contenders.
Still, the skid has raised questions about his future.
Despite flirting with retirement in recent years, the Brazilian veteran isn’t done yet — even as another hungry contender looks to make a name off him.
But Burns made one thing clear:
A win isn’t everything.
“Right now, honestly, I don’t need to win,” Burns said on UFC Journey: Malott vs. Burns. “I came from nothing. Now what I have is more than enough for me. I don’t need it — but I want it. That’s my motivation.”
That mindset may sound surprising for a fighter trying to snap a four-fight skid, but Burns insists his drive is still there.
“What I bring is experience and the will to win,” he added. “I’m going to take him down.”
Burns is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Michael Morales, who could be next in line for a Welterweight title shot (watch highlights). And while he admitted Morales’ power made the difference, Burns isn’t ready to concede his place among the division’s elite.
Instead, he’s fighting for something more personal.
“All of the experience I have — it’s time to use it,” Burns said. “I want to prove to myself, not anyone else, that I can still compete at the highest level.”
At 38, the clock is ticking.
“I still believe I can perform against these young guys,” he continued. “But I’ve got to work my butt off. I’m getting older, and I don’t want to keep losing.”
So no — Burns doesn’t need to win, but he wants to.
See who else is fighting at UFC Winnipeg here.
