Gilbert Burns is in a reflective mood prior to his return to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 106.
The former Welterweight Challenger title is on a three-fighting skid and desperately has to beat Michael Morales rising 17-0 on the UFC Apex on Saturday evening.
Prior to his last outing, Gilbert Burns looked back on the fight that brought him money and fame.
'Durinho' pushed Khamzat Chimaev on the edge of his first defeat when they fought for three pulsating rounds in a UFC 273 fight that is remembered as one of the largest fighting of 15 minutes in the MMA history.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Gilbert Burns discusses the impact of Khamzat Chimaev fight
Burns suffered a decision, but he came from the fight that is more popular than ever.
More fans led to more financial opportunities for the 38-year-old Brazilian submission specialist.
Three years later, Burns admits that the money and fame have derived him from his goal of becoming world champion.
“I think it has become much too big after the Chimaev fight,” he told Home of Fight.
“I have a lot of fans. I received a lot of recognition, which is not a bad thing. It was good. There were many opportunities, a few sponsors, and fans recognized me everywhere. It built my platform on a different level.
“You will be a bit entangled, earning money, traveling and getting recognition.
“That slowly took me away from my path. That 'Durinho' who trains very hard, that wants to become a champion. It is not a bad thing to have financial growth, but it brought me a bit out of my path.”
Gilbert Burns only loses the very best
Being 0-3 is never great, but a quick look at the recent record of Burns shows that he did not decrease.
A unanimous decision defeat against former Welterweight Belal Muhammad champion started the losing series in May 2023.
Burns followed that with a KO loss for the current 170 pound King Jack della Maddalena, who was on the cards before he assembled an incredible comeback victory at UFC 299 in March 2024.
Burns used to be equipped by Sean Brady, who has since poured Leon Edwards.
Morales has never fought anyone at the level of burns or the opponents who recently defeated him.
He needs a career-best achievement to burn his fourth consecutive loss at UFC Vegas 106.