‘Absolute legend’: Pros react to Gilbert Burns retiring after knockout loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: Gilbert Burns of Brazil is consoled by his wife and kids after announcing his retirement following a loss against Mike Malott in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Canada Life Centre on April 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Gilbert Burns left it all in the cage one last time. In Saturday’s UFC Winnipeg main event, budding welterweight contender Mike Malott took care of business with a third-round knockout of Burns, who subsequently announced his retirement by removing his gloves and leaving them in the center of the octagon.

It was the fifth straight loss for “Durinho,” who turns 40 in July, and he was given an emotional farewell as Malott praised him before Burns was given his own share of post-fight mic time. “I work so hard,” Burns said. “I work very hard for these fights.

I know Mike was going to fight at home and he was going to bring everything…” Burns was then cut off by the appreciative Canadian crowd, who chanted “Gilbert” out of respect for the 14-year veteran’s accomplishments. They weren’t the only ones showing Burns love, as pros such as Belal Muhammad, Adrian Yanez, and Derek Brunson took to social media to pay their respects to the one-time UFC welterweight title challenger. See how pros reacted below.

@GilbertDurinho you're an absolute legend 👊🏽😤 — Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) April 19, 2026 Respect Gilbert you were one of the good guys it was an honor to share the cage with you — Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 19, 2026 Sad to see Gilbert lose like that . Hell of a career ! Brazilian warrior !