Gilbert Burns Taking Time Off Following UFC 299 Loss, Aims to Return in August

Former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns wants to take a little more time to recover from a vicious knockout suffered in March.

Following a Round 3 knockout loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299 in March, “Durinho” is taking things easy before getting back to full training and eventually entering the Octagon. The Brazilian’s loss to the surging Australian was preceded by a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Belal Muhammad in May last year.

At the moment, the top-10 welterweight is expecting to get back in action sometime in or after August, and is hoping to claw his way back to the top following a short break after competing in four fights over 15 months. In an interview with The Schmo on Thursday, Burns spoke of his upcoming plans.

“Next for me, I'm taking a little time off,” Burns explained. “That was a war against Jack Della Maddalena, the guy did great. Ended up getting that knockout at the end of the fight. All kudos to him, the guy is a monster... For me, I'm looking forward to come back in August.”

“Durinho” also went on to list multiple callouts from elite competitors in the division, including Sean Brady, Geoff Neal, and most recently, Joaquin Buckley after “New Mansa” emerged victorious against Burns’ close friend and teammate Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 54 in March. Burns is ready for all comers, but he knows he is not in a position to name names while on a skid.

“We'll see who, I've got a couple [of] callouts I love,” Burns said with a smile. “Buckley called me out, Sean Brady sent me a DM calling me out. I saw Geoff Neal...They’re all super respectful. Buckley talking a little bit but I don't care, it’s his style, I respect that...Looking forward to in August, most likely August, that’s a good date for me. We’ll see whoever, I’m not pick and choose, I’m in a position that I lost two back-to-back so, I’m relaxed, getting better and whoever they say the name on the contract I'm going to sign but August I’m looking forward to come back.”