Gilbert Burns Ready to Unleash at UFC Vegas 106: “I’m Going Back to My Old Ways”
The welterweight division is about to witness the return of a dangerous predator. Gilbert Burns, the Brazilian powerhouse with devastating jiu-jitsu and knockout power, steps back into the Octagon tomorrow night (Saturday, May 17, 2025) at UFC Vegas 106, airing LIVE on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.
And he’s bringing a message that should terrify his opponents: he’s returning to his roots.
The Return to Savage Mode
I’ve been following Burns’ career for years, and there’s something different about him this time. During yesterday’s media day, “Durinho” made it clear he’s abandoning the calculated approach that’s defined his recent fights.
“I’m done playing it safe,” Burns told reporters with a gleam in his eye that reminded me of his early UFC days. “Tomorrow night, I’m going back to my old ways – hunting for the finish from the first second.”
For longtime fans of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom, this is music to our ears. The “old ways” Burns refers to produced spectacular finishes against Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley that rocket-launched him into title contention.
Reinvention After Recent Struggles
Let’s face it – Burns’ recent performances haven’t matched his explosive potential. After dropping a hard-fought decision in his last outing, he took time off to reassess his approach to fighting.
“Sometimes you need to look in the mirror,” Burns admitted. “I was fighting not to lose instead of fighting to destroy. That’s not who I am. That’s not why people tune in to watch me fight.”
The time away seems to have rekindled the fire within Burns. At yesterday’s open workouts, he looked sharp, focused, and more importantly – dangerous. His grappling exchanges with training partners showcased the fluid, aggressive style that made him a world champion on the jiu-jitsu circuit.
What the Numbers Tell Us
| Gilbert Burns UFC Stats | First 7 UFC Wins | Last 3 UFC Fights |
|---|---|---|
| Finish Rate | 71% | 33% |
| Submission Attempts | 2.7 per fight | 0.8 per fight |
| Striking Aggression | 4.8 strikes/min | 3.3 strikes/min |
The Challenge Ahead at UFC Vegas 106
Standing across from Burns tomorrow will be a hungry opponent looking to make his own statement. The matchmakers have crafted a classic striker-versus-grappler showdown that promises fireworks from the opening bell.
What makes this matchup particularly intriguing is how it aligns with Burns’ proclaimed return to his aggressive roots. If “Durinho” truly plans to pressure from the start, we could witness the kind of explosive finish that made him a fan favorite in the first place.
Coach’s Corner: The Technical Breakdown
I spoke with one of Burns’ training partners (who requested anonymity) who shared some insights on what we might expect:
“Gilbert’s been working obsessively on chain wrestling – transitioning seamlessly between takedown attempts without resetting. When he gets that flow going, it’s terrifying. Even if you defend the first shot, he’s already launching into something else. It wears guys down mentally.”
This approach could be devastating against his opponent tomorrow, whose takedown defense has shown vulnerabilities when pressured continuously.
What This Fight Means for the Welterweight Division
With the welterweight title picture currently in flux, Burns knows a spectacular performance could catapult him back into the championship conversation. At 38 years old, this might represent one of his final runs at UFC gold.
“Age is just a number in this sport,” Burns insisted when I asked him about his timeline. “Look at Glover Teixeira winning the belt at 42. I feel better now than I did at 30. My body’s healthy, my mind’s right, and I’ve got that hunger again.”
A win – particularly a highlight-reel finish – would likely position Burns for a top-5 opponent next, potentially setting up a title eliminator by year’s end.
Will You Be Watching “Durinho” Unleashed?
UFC Vegas 106 kicks off tomorrow at 7 PM ET with prelims, followed by the main card at 10 PM ET on ESPN+. Burns is featured in the co-main event slot, likely stepping into the Octagon around 11:30 PM ET.
For Brevard County fight fans, Playalinda Brewing Company will be hosting a watch party with drink specials starting at 9 PM. Several local MMA gyms have organized group viewings as well, creating a community atmosphere for what could be a career-defining moment for Burns.
Will we see the return of the old, savage Gilbert Burns? Or will his opponent derail the Brazilian’s championship aspirations? Leave your predictions in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media