UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns knows he's reached a point of uncertainty after falling to a three-fight losing skid.
Burns, a former title challenger on MMA's biggest stage, suffered his latest defeat inside the Octagon this past weekend while headlining Saturday's UFC Fight Night at the Apex.
Following consecutive defeats at the hands of then-future champion Belal Muhammad in May 2023 and the rising Jack Della Maddalena this past March, "Durinho" was hoping for a crucial rebound performance at the expense of Sean Brady.
But the Brazilian was unable to find that across five rounds in Las Vegas, instead falling to a convincing unanimous decision loss in what marked his third main event in the UFC.
With another slip down the pecking order set to arrive at his doorstep in Tuesday's rankings update, Burns' career appears to be in limbo.
'Disappointed' Burns Ready For 'Rethink' After Another Defeat
During a backstage interview with Charly Arnolt for ESPN, Burns gave an honest and critical reflection on his performance opposite Burns.
The former title challenger admitted that nothing felt right when the cage door closed behind him on Saturday night. And with that in mind, "Durinho" isn't sure what lies ahead for him in MMA.
I’m a little bit disappointed. I know I have the grit, I know I can fight hard, but I didn’t let go," Burns said. "I felt great this whole freaking week. I felt good in training camp. This morning was great. But when I got (to the Octagon), it didn’t flow. It just didn’t flow. Nothing was good.
I didn’t let it go. Props to Sean. Sean is a tough one. I hit him with some good shots, I tried to finish. I think I forced the finish too much," Burns continued. "I don’t know (what's next). ... I’ve got to rethink. I’ve got to go back, talk to my coaches, see what’s next. At the same time, give a little time to my family. They give up so much when I’m in a camp for a fight. I’m gonna go back, spend time with the family, go back to train. I don’t have any injuries, thank God. I lost, but at least the body is feeling good.
At 38 years old and riding a three-fight skid, returning to the title conversation would look to be an uphill task for Burns, who once appeared close to a title crowning after dropping Kamaru Usman early into their UFC 258 showdown over three years ago.
Brady, meanwhile, firmly has his eyes on the prize. And having likely secured a rise to within touching distance of the welterweight top five, the Philadelphian has his sights on either Ian Garry or Colby Covington next.
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