Gilbert Burns leaves UFC, MMA with no regrets: 'I gave everything'

Despite not achieving his goal of becoming UFC champion, Gilbert Burns will be at peace as a retiree. "Durinho" put an end to a 14-year MMA career by leaving his gloves in the octagon following his TKO loss Saturday to Mike Malott in the UFC Fight Night 273 main event. It was an emotional moment for Burns (22-10 MMA, 15-10 UFC).

The decision he kept close to his vest, as no one knew retirement was a possibility before the event. "I gave everything to the sport," Burns told MMA Junkie. "A lot of good fights, fought for the title, fought the toughest guys, the who's who in this division.

I knew going into this fight, for sure I was very confident, and I put in a lot of work. (But) when I wasn't able to execute the game plan, when I felt he's a little faster, stronger, a little bit this and that, then I was kind of like, 'OK, if I cannot beat Mike Malott. ' Nothing against him.

He's a real contender. He's a good fighter, (but) I don't think he's the top of the division like the other guys were. I said, 'I will be honest.