Gillbert Burns was 12 when he started jiu-jitsu training and transitioned to MMA in 2001. Burns became an official pro in 2012 and has a current record of 12-2-0.
His last fight was against Jason Saggo on September 16, where he scored a impressive knockout victory in the second round. Its his first knockout victory since joining the UFC in 2014 and a much needed win for the fighter as it was his last fight on his contract:
“I kind of had some pressure over me in that fight and managed to do a good job,” Burns said. “It was the last fight of my contract and if I had lost there it would have been bad for me, but I finished it in great fashion, got my first knockout in the UFC, and everyone loved it.
“(UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby and everyone in the UFC liked it a lot, and my manager Ali (Abdelaziz) got me another contract in the UFC. I’m super happy because my goal was to re-sign with the UFC.”
“I have more four fights in the UFC, and I’m already asking for a fight in January or February,” Burns said. “I'm happy with my new contract, and that proves I’m on the right track. I still have a lot to improve, always, but that gives you extra motivation to train.
“My goal now is to put on a win streak and climb the lightweight rankings,” he continued. "This is one of the toughest divisions out there. I think I have the best jiu-jitsu of the division, and evolving in other areas makes it easier for me to use my jiu-jitsu any time I want."