Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – May 15, 2024 – Former UFC title challenger Gilbert "Durinho" Burns is slated to make his highly anticipated debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (UFC BJJ) series, facing accomplished grappler Horlando Monteiro on June 4. The bout is scheduled to serve as the co-main event for UFC BJJ 9, which will take place at the Meta APEX facility. This marks a significant return to Burns’ grappling roots following his recent retirement from mixed martial arts.
The announcement by the promotion confirms Burns’ pivot back to the sport where he first forged his reputation as an elite competitor. Burns, a decorated jiu-jitsu black belt, will step onto the specialized UFC BJJ bowl, a format designed to highlight pure grappling exchanges, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness "Durinho" in his element. The event underscores the UFC’s continued expansion into showcasing various combat sports disciplines under its brand.
Burns’ transition comes shortly after his declaration of retirement from professional mixed martial arts earlier this month. His final MMA outing saw him suffer a knockout loss to Mike Malott in a welterweight contest held in Canada. That defeat extended his challenging run in the octagon to five consecutive losses, bringing his overall UFC record to 15 wins and 10 defeats. Despite the recent setbacks in MMA, Burns’ career included a memorable run to a welterweight title shot against then-champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, a testament to his high-level standing in the sport. Throughout his MMA tenure, Burns’ formidable grappling prowess, often complemented by his evolving striking, was a cornerstone of his success, securing notable victories over opponents such as Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, and Stephen Thompson.
A Return to Form: Burns’ Illustrious Jiu-Jitsu Pedigree
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Before dedicating himself fully to the demanding world of mixed martial arts, Gilbert Burns had already established an exceptional career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His achievements in the gi and no-gi circuits are extensive and place him among the sport’s most respected figures. In 2011, Burns reached the pinnacle of gi jiu-jitsu, capturing the coveted International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship at the lightweight black belt division. This prestigious title solidified his status as a global grappling elite.
His journey through the jiu-jitsu ranks was marked by a series of dominant performances and victories over legendary figures. Among his notable conquests were wins against Kron Gracie, a member of the sport’s founding family and a revered submission artist; Leandro Lo, widely regarded as one of the greatest jiu-jitsu competitors of all time known for his innovative guard play; and Celso Venicius, another highly respected and decorated black belt. These victories were not merely wins but statements, demonstrating Burns’ technical mastery, strategic acumen, and competitive fire. His background at esteemed grappling academies, notably with Atos Jiu-Jitsu, provided him with a rigorous training environment that honed his skills to an elite level. For many in the grappling community, Burns’ return to pure jiu-jitsu is a highly anticipated event, allowing him to once again display the techniques that earned him international acclaim before his successful, albeit challenging, foray into MMA.
The Opponent: Horlando Monteiro
Facing Burns in the co-main event will be Horlando Monteiro, a formidable black belt in his own right. Monteiro, known for his aggressive style and well-rounded game, poses a significant challenge for Burns’ return to grappling. While perhaps not as globally recognized as Burns from his UFC exposure, Monteiro is a respected name within the professional jiu-jitsu circuit, boasting a track record of strong performances in various tournaments. His style, often characterized by strong passing and opportunistic submissions, promises an engaging contest against Burns’ renowned pressure and submission attacks. Details regarding Monteiro’s recent competitive outings and specific titles will be critical in assessing the stylistic matchup against a returning "Durinho." This bout is expected to be a high-level chess match, testing both grapplers’ technical proficiency and competitive endurance.
UFC BJJ 9: A Showcase of Grappling Excellence
UFC BJJ 9 is shaping up to be a premier event for grappling enthusiasts, showcasing a blend of established jiu-jitsu stars and crossover athletes. The UFC’s venture into a dedicated BJJ series highlights the organization’s recognition of the sport’s growing popularity and its foundational role in mixed martial arts. These events aim to provide a high-profile platform for grapplers, featuring compelling matchups and a format designed for fan engagement. The Meta APEX, a state-of-the-art facility typically used for smaller UFC fight nights and "Dana White’s Contender Series," offers an intimate setting conducive to showcasing the intricacies of grappling.
Headlining UFC BJJ 9 will be a championship clash for the light heavyweight belt, featuring Mason Fowler defending his title against the formidable Devhonte Johnson. Fowler, a highly respected no-gi grappler with a strong wrestling background and numerous accolades from organizations like ADCC and Fight 2 Win, has established himself as a dominant force in the division. His defensive prowess and relentless pressure make him a difficult opponent for any challenger.
Johnson, on the other hand, enters the contest with significant momentum, having captured the 2021 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship, demonstrating his elite-level skill set without the gi. Known for his powerful grips, strategic passing, and strong positional control, Johnson presents a serious threat to Fowler’s reign. The main event promises a clash of styles between two top-tier grapplers, with the light heavyweight title on the line adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.
Beyond the main and co-main events, the card is set to feature other compelling matchups, including the return of Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir. Bella has been actively competing in both amateur MMA and jiu-jitsu, steadily building her own career and reputation in combat sports. Her inclusion on the card adds another element of intrigue, drawing attention from fans familiar with her family’s legacy. Also confirmed for the event is the highly dynamic Nicholas "Nicky Rod" Rodriguez, a standout no-gi grappler known for his exceptional wrestling and physicality, who has quickly risen through the ranks of the grappling world, earning multiple ADCC medals. While his opponent for UFC BJJ 9 has not been explicitly stated, Nicky Rod’s presence guarantees an explosive and exciting performance, regardless of who stands across from him.
The complete card for UFC BJJ 9 is expected to offer a comprehensive display of grappling talent, from established veterans to rising stars, reinforcing the UFC’s commitment to promoting jiu-jitsu as a standalone and compelling combat sport. For Gilbert Burns, this event represents a new chapter, a return to the art that first defined him, and an opportunity to remind the world of his unparalleled grappling abilities. The entire grappling community, alongside MMA fans, will be keenly watching his performance on June 4.
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