Gilbert Burns has released a statement on social media following his recent loss in the UFC.
The former welterweight title challenger desperately needed a victory when he stepped into the UFC Vegas 106 main event against Michael Morales, having suffered three consecutive defeats against the top fighters in the 170lb division.
Known as ‘Durinho’, Burns had previously faced decision losses to Sean Brady, was knocked out by Jack Della Maddalena, and dominated by Belal Muhammad before accepting what was perceived as a step down in competition to face the undefeated rising star from Ecuador.
However, Michael Morales made the biggest test of his career appear effortless, stopping Gilbert Burns with strikes in the first round to maintain his perfect 18-0 record.
Burns Reacts to His Fourth Consecutive Loss
In mixed martial arts, a fourth straight loss often prompts a fighter to consider retirement.
Despite being decisively finished by Morales, Burns did not indicate retirement when he shared his thoughts on social media the day after UFC Vegas 106.
The 38-year-old posted a gracious message on Instagram, stating: “Thankful for this journey! I’m still super blessed.”
He continued, “Of course wasn’t the outcome I was looking forward to, especially for this one I worked extremely hard, who saw, saw, but it’s the fight game and it’s life!”
Burns also congratulated his opponent: “Congrats to @miichaelufc wishing you and your team all the success! That is it no sad stories! Grateful for this beautiful journey and for all the lessons!”
He concluded his message with a religious note: “God is good all the time! All honors, praise, and glory are given to him in a win or defeat!”
It currently remains uncertain whether Burns plans to compete again or if he will conclude his notable career in the UFC.
What`s Next for Michael Morales?
Conversely, Michael Morales has a much brighter outlook and appears poised to become a significant figure in the sport in the coming years.
His impressive win over Burns is likely to elevate the 25-year-old into the top 10 of the welterweight rankings, potentially claiming the #8 spot, following the update on Tuesday.
The current 170lb champion, Jack Della Maddalena, is expected to defend his title against Islam Makhachev later this year.
After that bout, Shavkat Rakhmonov is currently seen as a primary contender for a shot at the welterweight championship.
Therefore, Morales will likely need to secure victories against one or two more highly-ranked opponents to build an undeniable case for a title opportunity.
Gareth Pendleton