Gilbert Alexander Pontes Burns Bio
Gilbert Alexander Pontes Burns, born on July 20, 1986, is a Brazilian-American professional mixed martial artist and submission grappler. He competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is ranked #12 in the UFC welterweight rankings as of November 11, 2025. Burns is recognized for his accomplishments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling, holding titles such as IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Champion and ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship medallist.
Early Life and Background
Gilbert Burns was born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His introduction to martial arts began in childhood when his father arranged jiu-jitsu lessons for him and his brothers in exchange for fixing a customer’s car. He trained at Academia Associação Oriente, affiliated with Nova União, under Welton Ribeiro. Burns earned the nickname “Durinho,” meaning “little tough guy,” as a diminutive form related to his older brother’s nickname “Todo-Duro,” meaning “tough guy.”
Path to MMA
Burns initially focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, achieving significant success including winning the 2011 World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Following this, he transitioned to mixed martial arts, making his professional debut in January 2012. His grappling pedigree and competitive achievements laid a strong foundation for his MMA career.
Gilbert Burns Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Burns began his MMA career in 2012, quickly establishing himself with his grappling skills. He trained with notable teams including Xtreme Couture and Blackzilians before joining Kill Cliff FC in 2017. Early in his career, he competed in the Lightweight division, showcasing his submission prowess and earning victories that highlighted his potential in the sport.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Gilbert Burns made his UFC debut on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12, winning by unanimous decision. He earned his first Performance of the Night bonus with a first-round submission victory over Christos Giagos at UFC 179. Burns continued to build momentum with notable wins and occasional setbacks, including his first career loss in 2015. Transitioning to the Welterweight division in 2019, he secured significant victories over top contenders such as Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley, earning multiple Performance of the Night awards. Burns challenged for the UFC Welterweight Championship in 2021 but was defeated by Kamaru Usman. He remains a top competitor in the division with a record of 22 wins and 9 losses as of 2025.
Kill Cliff FC Era (2017–Present)
Since joining Kill Cliff FC in 2017, Burns has continued to develop his skills and compete at the highest level. His tenure with the team has been marked by consistent performances and high-profile bouts. Notable recent fights include victories against Neil Magny and Jorge Masvidal, as well as competitive matches against elite opponents. Burns’ partnership with Kill Cliff FC has been integral to his sustained presence in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Gilbert Burns is known for his orthodox stance and exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, holding a 3rd degree black belt. His strengths include effective grappling, submission ability, and strategic striking. Burns excels on the ground, often securing wins via submission, and demonstrates resilience and adaptability in stand-up exchanges.
Notable Events and Milestones
Burns has achieved significant milestones, including multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and a title shot for the UFC Welterweight Championship. His fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 earned Fight of the Night honors. Throughout his career, Burns has demonstrated the ability to compete with top-tier fighters and maintain a prominent position in the welterweight division.
Gilbert Burns Career Wins
Gilbert Burns has amassed 22 professional MMA wins, showcasing a balanced mix of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. His submission skills are particularly notable, accounting for nine of his victories, reflecting his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise.
UFC Highlights
Burns’ UFC career features several highlight wins, including his first UFC victory by unanimous decision in 2014 and his first Performance of the Night bonus for a submission win at UFC 179. His most recent wins include a first-round submission over Neil Magny in 2023 and a unanimous decision against Jorge Masvidal the same year. Burns has consistently performed in high-stakes bouts, including playoff and title contention fights.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to and alongside his UFC career, Burns has earned accolades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, including IBJJF World Championships and ADCC medals. These achievements underscore his grappling dominance and contribute to his MMA success.
Gilbert Burns Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Gilbert Burns is the older brother of Herbert Burns, a former UFC fighter. Their family has a strong connection to martial arts, with both siblings achieving professional success in MMA.
Personal Life
Burns resides in Boca Raton, Florida, USA. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Gilbert Burns continues to compete actively in the UFC Welterweight division. He faced undefeated prospect Michael Morales in May 2025 but suffered a technical knockout loss in the first round. Despite this setback, Burns remains a significant contender, leveraging his experience and grappling expertise. His ongoing commitment to training with Kill Cliff FC and competing at the highest level positions him for future opportunities in the division.