Khamzat Chimaev shows respect to ex-rival Gilbert Burns in response to his UFC Winnipeg retirement

A former UFC title challenger hung up his gloves after a defeat on Saturday night.

Gilbert Burns was once a top welterweight contender and even dropped Kamaru Usman of their 2021 title fight.

But those days are far behind the Brazilian, who has lost five fights in a row after yet one more setback within the important event of UFC Winnipeg.

Burns was knocked out by Mike Malott in round three before announcing his retirement within the cage. Tributes have been pouring in for ‘Durinho’, including from an undefeated star whom he got here near beating.

Is Gilbert Burns retiring the correct call?

The previous welterweight title challenger suffered his fifth loss in a row at UFC Winnipeg.

Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Gilbert Burns retiring after his fifth straight loss at UFC Winnipeg

Burns’ retirement means his profession has come to a detailed after 25 fights within the UFC. He went 15-10 during his tenure within the promotion, competing at each lightweight and welterweight.

He found most of his success at 170 kilos, where the fan favorite placed on loads of impressive performances and memorable fights.

That was the case even in defeat, especially when Burns stood toe to toe with current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

‘Durinho’ was the fifth fighter within the UFC to try to take the Chechen phenom’s ‘0’. He was the closest to doing so as much as that time, and only Usman has replicated that feat since.

Burns lost to Chimaev via unanimous decision after a brutal three-round war at UFC 273 in 2022. Despite what the judges thought, plenty believed the Brazilian did enough to deserve the nod.

Having spilled blood with the veteran, ‘Borz’ was quick to point out respect after his retirement in Canada.

He posted a picture of them brow to brow after their battle at UFC 273. Within the caption, Chimaev put a Brazil flag and a lion emoji.

Before Saturday’s defeat to Malott, Burns was also knocked out by Michael Morales.

He’s also lost to Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady since his last UFC win got here over Jorge Masvidal in 2023.