Gilbert Burns talks about his future after third UFC defeat in a row

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns knows he has reached a point of uncertainty after losing three fights in a row.

Burns, a former title challenger on MMA's biggest stage, suffered his most recent loss inside the Octagon last weekend while headlining UFC Fight Night at the Apex on Saturday.

After two consecutive losses to then-future champion Belal Muhammad in May 2023 and up-and-coming Jack Della Maddalena last March, “Durinho” was hoping for a decisive rebound performance at the expense of Sean Brady.

But the Brazilian was unable to achieve that result in the five rounds in Las Vegas and instead had to bow to a convincing unanimous decision loss that marked his third main event in the UFC.

With him facing a further drop in the pecking order when the rankings are updated on Tuesday, Burns' career appears to be in limbo.

“Disappointed” Burns is ready to “rethink” after another defeat

During a backstage interview with Charly Arnolt for ESPN, Burns gave an honest and critical assessment of his performance alongside 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’s left for him in MMA.

“I'm a little disappointed. I know I have the courage, I know I can fight hard, but I didn't let up,” Burns said. “I felt great all damn week. I felt good in training camp. This morning was great. But when I got (to the Octagon), it wasn't working. It just wasn't working. Nothing was good.”

“I didn't let up. Compliments to Sean. Sean is a tough guy. I hit him with some good shots and tried to finish. I think I pushed the finish too much,” Burns continued. “I don't know (what's next). … I need to rethink. I need to go back, talk to my coaches and see what's next. At the same time, I need to dedicate some time to my family. They give up so much when I'm in a training camp for a fight. I'm going to go back, spend time with family, get back to training. I don't have any injuries, thank God. I lost, but at least my body is OK.”

At 38 years old and with three losses under his belt, returning to title contention will be a difficult task for Burns. Over three years ago, he seemed on the verge of a title shot after knocking down Kamaru Usman early in their showdown at UFC 258.

Brady, meanwhile, has his eyes firmly on the prize, and with a move likely within touching distance of the top five welterweight contenders, the Philadelphian has his sights set on either Ian Garry or Colby Covington next.