Hello, mixed martial artist fans! If you love following the MMA and admire world-class, Gilbert Burns is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Gilbert Burns is a veteran Brazilian-American MMA fighter and elite jiu-jitsu black belt, best known for competing in the UFC welterweight division and challenging for the title against Kamaru Usman. As of 2025, he remains one of the more experienced and better-paid welterweights on the UFC roster.
Gilbert Burns’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Gilbert Alexander Pontes Burns |
| Nickname | Durinho |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Current Residence | Lantana, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | Brazilian-American |
| Height | 5’10” (177.8 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Reach | 71 inches (180.34 cm) |
| Turned Professional | January 2012 |
| College | Studied Physical Education |
| Religion | Christian |
| Spouse | Bruna Burns |
| Children | Three (Pedro Brenaiah Burns, Joshua Burns, and third child born 2021) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Instagram Profile | @gilbert_burns |
| Instagram Handle | @gilbert_burns |
| Twitter/X Profile | @GilbertDurinho |
Early Career
Gilbert Burns was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age twelve when his father arranged a barter with a jiu-jitsu instructor, exchanging car repairs for training. He began training at Academia Associação Oriente under Nova União’s Welton Ribeiro.
His early jiu-jitsu career proved exceptional, with Burns winning the silver medal at the 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and eventually claiming the gold medal at the 2011 IBJJF World Championships. Between 2009 and 2015, he established himself as a world-class grappler, winning multiple championships including the ADCC bronze medal in 2015 and becoming an IBJJF World Champion in both gi and no-gi divisions.
Professional Career
Gilbert Burns made his professional MMA debut on January 28, 2012, at CFC 5, where he defeated Jose Salgado via rear-naked choke submission in just 2 minutes and 40 seconds. He maintained an impressive winning streak in early regional competition, with all wins coming in the first round. Burns transitioned to the UFC in 2014 and quickly gained recognition with notable victories.
His rise culminated when he defeated veteran fighters like Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson, and Tyron Woodley, earning him a title shot against Kamaru Usman at UFC 251. Though he fell short in that championship bout via knockout in the third round, Burns has remained a consistent contender in the welterweight division. His career record stands at 22 wins and 9 losses, showcasing his resilience and technical expertise both standing and on the ground.
Wife
Gilbert Burns is married to Bruna Burns, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and coach who he met during their time training together at a jiu-jitsu academy. The couple tied the knot in August 2012 and have built a strong partnership both personally and professionally. Bruna works as a coach at Academy Combat Club and actively supports Burns throughout his fighting career. The couple has been blessed with three children: Pedro Brenaiah Burns, Joshua Burns, and a third child born in 2021. Burns frequently shares family moments on his social media, showing his role as a devoted husband and father. His Instagram bio reads “Jesus Follower, Husband, Dad, Fighter,” reflecting the important roles his family plays in his life.
Gilbert Burns’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Gilbert Burns’ estimated net worth stands at approximately $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through his UFC career, which began in 2012 and has since generated substantial earnings. As of recent career reports, Burns has earned approximately $2.7 million in disclosed fight purses since his UFC debut.
Beyond fight purses, his income streams include performance bonuses, sponsorship deals, and pay-per-view revenue shares. His highest-earning fights have included bouts against prominent opponents where he earned over $200,000. Burns’ earnings have fluctuated based on his fight outcomes and positioning within the welterweight title picture, with championship bouts and prominent opponents typically commanding higher purses.
Fight Purses
| Fight | Opponent | Event | Date | Disclosed Purse | Bonus | Total Estimated |
| UFC Vegas 97 | Sean Brady | UFC Fight Night 242 | Sep 7, 2024 | $150,000-$200,000 | — | $150,000-$200,000 |
| UFC 299 | Jack Della Maddalena | UFC 299 | Mar 9, 2024 | $120,000-$150,000 | — | $120,000-$150,000 |
| UFC 288 | Belal Muhammad | UFC 288 | May 6, 2023 | $120,000-$150,000 | — | $120,000-$150,000 |
| UFC 287 | Jorge Masvidal | UFC 287 | Apr 8, 2023 | $100,000-$150,000 | — | $100,000-$150,000 |
| UFC 283 | Neil Magny | UFC 283 | Jan 21, 2023 | $115,000 | $141,000 total earned | $256,000 (with PPV) |
| UFC 273 | Khamzat Chimaev | UFC 273 | Apr 9, 2022 | $100,000-$120,000 | — | $100,000-$120,000 |
| UFC 264 | Stephen Thompson | UFC 264 | Jul 10, 2021 | $100,000-$150,000 | — | $100,000-$150,000 |
| UFC 258 | Kamaru Usman | UFC 258 | Feb 13, 2021 | $100,000 (estimated) | — | $100,000-$150,000 (estimated) |
| UFC on ESPN 9 | Tyron Woodley | UFC on ESPN 9 | May 30, 2020 | $84,000 + $84,000 win | $50,000 (Performance) | $218,000 |
| UFC Fight Night | Demian Maia | UFC Fight Night 170 | Mar 14, 2020 | $84,000 + $84,000 win | $50,000 (Performance) | $218,000 |
Endorsements
Gilbert Burns maintains several endorsement deals and sponsorships that supplement his fighting career:
- RVCA – A prominent lifestyle and apparel brand that sponsors numerous UFC fighters and BJJ competitors
- Kill Cliff FC – Burns is affiliated with Kill Cliff Fight Club and their energy drink product line
- Joya Gear UK – Partnership with the gear company for equipment and apparel
- FightID – Partnership with the fighter identification and promotion platform
- Home of Fight – Associated with the fight promotion and media company
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event | Date |
| Michael Morales | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 3:39 | UFC Fight Night 256 | May 17, 2025 |
| Sean Brady | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 242 | Sep 7, 2024 |
| Jack Della Maddalena | Loss | KO (Knee and Elbows) | 3 | 3:43 | UFC 299 | Mar 9, 2024 |
| Belal Muhammad | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 288 | May 6, 2023 |
| Jorge Masvidal | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 287 | Apr 8, 2023 |
| Neil Magny | Win | Submission (Arm-Triangle) | 1 | 4:15 | UFC 283 | Jan 21, 2023 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 273 | Apr 9, 2022 |
| Stephen Thompson | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 264 | Jul 10, 2021 |
| Kamaru Usman | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 3 | 0:34 | UFC 258 | Feb 13, 2021 |
| Tyron Woodley | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC on ESPN 9 | May 30, 2020 |
| Demian Maia | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 2:34 | UFC Fight Night 170 | Mar 14, 2020 |
| Gunnar Nelson | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 160 | Sep 28, 2019 |
| Aleksei Kunchenko | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 156 | Aug 10, 2019 |
| Mike Davis | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 4:15 | UFC Fight Night 150 | Apr 27, 2019 |
| Olivier Aubin-Mercier | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 231 | Dec 8, 2018 |
| Dan Hooker | Loss | KO (Punch) | 1 | 2:28 | UFC 226 | Jul 7, 2018 |
FAQs
1. How Did Gilbert Burns Get His Nickname “Durinho”?
Gilbert Burns earned the nickname “Durinho” from his brother Herbert Burns, who was called “Todo-Duro,” which translates to “tough guy” in Portuguese. When the family started training jiu-jitsu as kids, the suffix “-inho” was added to Burns’ name to indicate the diminutive form, essentially meaning “little tough guy.” The nickname stuck throughout his jiu-jitsu and MMA career and remains his fighting name to this day.
2. What Is Gilbert Burns’ Background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Burns is an exceptionally accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete with multiple world championship titles. He achieved the rank of black belt and won the IBJJF World Championships in 2011. Additionally, he became an IBJJF World Champion in both gi and no-gi competitions, won the CBJJ Brazilian Championships, achieved the UAEJJF World Pro Championship, earned an ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship bronze medal, and placed at the European Open. His jiu-jitsu credentials rival his MMA accomplishments, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.
3. How Much Money Has Gilbert Burns Made in the UFC?
According to disclosed records, Gilbert Burns has earned approximately $2.7 million since his UFC debut in 2014. His highest-earning fights have been championship bouts and main event appearances against top-ranked opponents. For example, he earned $218,000 total from his UFC on ESPN 9 victory over Tyron Woodley (including performance bonus), and $256,000 from his UFC 283 submission win over Neil Magny (with PPV shares). His earnings reflect his status as a consistently ranked welterweight contender, though some recent fights have brought reduced purses due to losing streaks.
4. What Are Gilbert Burns’ Main Strengths as a Fighter?
Gilbert Burns’ primary strengths are his world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills and submission grappling abilities. His ground game is exceptionally dangerous, with multiple submission victories including armbars and arm-triangle chokes. Burns also possesses surprising knockout power in his hands for a grappling specialist and demonstrates solid striking defense. His versatility allows him to compete effectively with all fighter types, and his experience against elite competition has sharpened his overall fighting abilities. His leg lock defense and top control are particularly notable.
5. Why Did Gilbert Burns Lose His Title Shot Against Kamaru Usman?
At UFC 258, Gilbert Burns challenged Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship but was defeated via third-round knockout from punches just 34 seconds into round three. Burns came out aggressively seeking the takedown but was caught with a devastating counter-strike by Usman, who is known for his explosive striking and speed. The loss was quick and decisive, preventing Burns from implementing his grappling-heavy game plan. Since that defeat, Burns has fought several top contenders but has not secured another title shot.
6. How Many Children Does Gilbert Burns Have?
Gilbert Burns and his wife Bruna have three children together. Their eldest son is named Pedro Brenaiah Burns, followed by Joshua Burns. The couple welcomed their third child in 2021. Burns often shares family moments on social media, including images and videos with his wife and children, showing his strong family-oriented values. He frequently mentions being a devoted husband and father, with his X/Twitter bio reading “Jesus Disciple, Husband, Dad, Fighter.”
7. What College Did Gilbert Burns Attend?
Gilbert Burns studied Physical Education at a Brazilian university but did not graduate. Instead of completing his degree, he focused on his career in jiu-jitsu and eventually transitioned to professional mixed martial arts. His decision to prioritize fighting over finishing college proved financially successful, as he has since earned millions from his UFC career and sponsorships.
8. Is Gilbert Burns Still an Active UFC Fighter?
Yes, Gilbert Burns remains an active competitor in the UFC Welterweight division as of 2025. His most recent fight was against Michael Morales at UFC Fight Night 256 in May 2025, which he lost by first-round knockout. Despite recent losses, Burns continues to accept fights and compete at the professional level. At 39 years old, he still maintains a competitive ranking in the welterweight division, currently ranked around number 8 to 12.
9. How Has Gilbert Burns’ Fight Style Evolved During His Career?
Throughout his career, Burns has expanded his striking and overall fight IQ while maintaining his jiu-jitsu base. Early in his UFC career, he relied heavily on takedowns and submissions. However, against elite competition, he has become more rounded, developing respectable striking defense and counter-striking capabilities. His victories over Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley showcased his improved stand-up game. Conversely, his losses to knockout specialists like Dan Hooker and Michael Morales demonstrate that striking remains an area where elite strikers can exploit weaknesses.
10. What Is Gilbert Burns’ Relationship With His Faith?
Gilbert Burns is an open Christian who frequently references his faith on social media and in interviews. His Instagram bio states “Jesus Follower, Husband, Dad, Fighter,” and he regularly shares messages about his Christian beliefs with his followers. Burns has mentioned that his faith keeps him grounded during the challenging aspects of professional fighting and helps him maintain perspective on life beyond the sport. His wife Bruna is also a practicing Christian, and they have instilled their faith in their children.