Kamaru Usman has weighed in on Gilbert Burns’ decision to retire, praising his longtime friend and former opponent while wondering if the door is truly closed on his fighting career.
Burns, 39, announced his retirement after a main event loss to Michael Malott at UFC Fight Night 273 in Winnipeg, ending a run that, according to the article, closed on a five-fight skid. He and Usman were once primary training partners with the Blackzilians before eventually meeting in a welterweight title fight at UFC 258, where Usman won by third-round TKO.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing if he actually, truly is done with this sport," Usman said, later adding, "... If this is truly the end, which I have no reason not to believe Gilbert, but if he says this truly is the end, what an amazing career."
Usman detailed how their bond was forged on the mats. "He came down from Brazil, I believe over with Vitor Belfort, and quickly Gilbert became one of my go-to training partners because he was a world champion jiu-jitsu guy, grappler and I was a wrestler. So, we were our main guys for each other."
Henry Cejudo also highlighted Burns’ strength of schedule, saying, "You want to know who's fought everybody? Gilbert Burns," before listing names including Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev, Michael Malott, Tyron Woodley, Jack Della Maddalena and Michael Morales.
Usman closed his tribute by calling it "a phenomenal career for Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns" and said he is "anxious to see what's next for him, if it is management."
