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MMA
He’s back! Gilbert Burns signs with UFC BJJ, grappling debut expected later this year
TL;DR
Gilbert Burns has signed with UFC BJJ after retiring from MMA and is expected to make his grappling debut later this year. He previously won gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011.
Key points
- Gilbert Burns signs with UFC BJJ after retiring from MMA
- Expected to debut in grappling later this year
- Previously won gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011
Mentioned in this story
Gilbert BurnsUFC BJJMeta Apex facility
IBJJF World Championship
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 06: (L-R) Herbert Burns of Brazil warms up backstage with his brother Gilbert Burns during the UFC 250 event at UFC APEX on June 06, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Gilbert Burns is retired from UFC, but “Durinho” will still be competing inside the promotion’s Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas. The Brazilian recently inked a deal to compete for UFC BJJ, the grappling promotion that currently airs on UFC Fight Pass and features the world’s best jiu-jitsu fighters competing inside the “Bowl.”
That’s according to MMA Fighting.
Burns, who turns 40 in July, is no stranger to the grappling circuit, having captured gold at the IBJJF World Championship back in 2011. No word yet on when “Durinho” will make his UFC BJJ debut or possible opponents, but the report indicates that Burns will land his first match in the second half of 2026.
Looks like he’s no longer “stuck.”
Up next for UFC BJJ is “Musumeci vs. Dantzler” on May 21, featuring a 135-pound clash pitting reigning UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion Mikey Musumeci against CFFC BJJ standout Kevin Dantzler, airing live on the . Elsewhere on the card, Cassia Moura and Bianca Basílio collide for the women’s flyweight title.
Q&A
When will Gilbert Burns make his UFC BJJ debut?
Gilbert Burns is expected to make his UFC BJJ debut in the second half of 2026.
What achievements does Gilbert Burns have in grappling?
Gilbert Burns won gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011, showcasing his skills in grappling.
What is UFC BJJ and where does it take place?
UFC BJJ is a grappling promotion that airs on UFC Fight Pass and features top jiu-jitsu fighters competing at the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas.
