Gilbert Burns, widely recognized by his nickname 'Durinho', began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 12 alongside his brothers Herbert and Frederick. Initially training under Luis Carlos da Fonseca, Burns later transitioned to the tutelage of renowned instructor Ramon Lemos. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and technical aptitude, Burns earned his black belt from Rafael 'Fofitio' in 2007, marking the start of an impressive competitive grappling career.

Burns reached the pinnacle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition by capturing gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2011. Following this major accomplishment, he transitioned into professional mixed martial arts (MMA), quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor known for his aggressive grappling style and well-rounded skill set. Despite the demands of his MMA career, Burns continued to actively participate in elite grappling events, consistently testing himself against top-tier opponents.

2015 ADCC Performance

In 2015, Burns secured a bronze medal at the prestigious 2015 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in the highly competitive 77kg division. After a semifinal loss to Davi Ramos, Burns rebounded decisively, defeating Otávio Sousa by a score of 6-0 to claim third place.

Polaris and Submission Underground Matches

Continuing to challenge himself against elite grapplers, Burns faced submission specialist Garry Tonon at Polaris 4 in 2016, experiencing a rare submission defeat via inside heel hook. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability, Burns returned to competition in 2017 at Submission Underground 4, earning a hard-fought overtime victory against John Combs.

Victory at Who's Number One

In April 2021, Burns achieved a significant victory at Who's Number One (WNO) April 2021, defeating highly decorated grappler Rafael Lovato Jr. by unanimous decision in a no-gi match. This win was widely regarded as an upset, highlighting Burns' tactical approach and ability to neutralize Lovato's renowned grappling pedigree.

Alongside his competitive pursuits, Burns transitioned into coaching, becoming the head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Sanford MMA (now Kill Cliff FC) in Florida. He established the 'Burns BJJ' program, designed to provide comprehensive training for both recreational practitioners and professional fighters. Burns' analytical coaching style and technical insights have notably benefited prominent MMA athletes, including former UFC champion Vitor Belfort.

Known for his competitive spirit and eagerness to test himself against high-profile opponents, Burns publicly challenged MMA star Nate Diaz in late 2020. He proposed a $400K 'winner takes all' grappling match under Chael Sonnen's Submission Underground promotion, underscoring his continued commitment to grappling excellence despite his demanding UFC schedule.