UFC Winnipeg marked what appears to be the final chapter in Gilbert Burns’ career. The Brazilian welterweight faced Canada’s Mike Malott in the main event but was unable to snap a four-fight losing streak. Malott thrilled the home crowd with a third-round knockout victory, after which Burns announced he was stepping away from the sport for good.

Ironically, Burns’ last win came against Jorge Masvidal—a fight that effectively ended Masvidal’s career. Now, three years later, the 39-year-old finds himself in a similar position. Speaking in the cage after the bout, Burns took the microphone and made his future clear, signaling the end of a long and respected run in MMA.

“I think that’s it,” Burns said. “I had a great career. I fought so hard. I wanted to win so bad. I fought the best guys in the world, pound-for-pound, a lot of champions. I never said no to a fight. I’m content.”

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While people seemed okay with his retirement, an X post from Home of Fight appears to have changed that narrative. 

“BREAKING: Gilbert Burns announces his retirement from MMA… Gilbert turns 40 in a couple of months. Happy retirement legend 🫡,” they wrote.

It appears fans didn’t completely agree with Burns being labeled a legend.

People quickly jumped at the post to share their opinion. “Calling him a legend while he has a Mike Malott loss on his record is blasphemy,” one user posted. Despite fighting in the UFC for over a decade, Burns never became a champion. 

Another user felt Burns didn’t want to become the next Tony Ferguson. “He doesn’t want to chase Tony Ferguson’s ten losses in a row world record,” the user commented. Ferguson, however, has since turned to boxing and even became a Misfits champion. 

Someone else suggested Burns’ retirement was warranted. “After losing to a Canadian, who can blame him smh,” the fan joked.

The next user didn’t agree with the claim that Burns was a legend, but gave him his props for putting on great fights. “I wouldn’t call Burns a legend of the sport, but he’s put up some dope a—fights and seems like a good dude,” the fan wrote. Burns fought some of the toughest names in the sport, including Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev, and more. 

This next user had similar feelings. “He ain’t a legend but respect..ig,” the user commented. A legend or not, Gilbert Burns definitely left a mark on the promotion, as he helped the company grow over the years.

All of this begs the question: what does it take for a fighter to become a legend in the UFC?

Does Gilbert Burns deserve UFC legend status after retirement in Winnipeg?

Burns started out as a UFC lightweight before moving up to 170 lbs in mid-2019. A 15-10 record in the UFC is hardly what anyone would call legendary. But the names Burns added to his resume make a strong case for the alternative.

He had fought the who’s who at welterweight and held his own. Many of his opponents have held the UFC gold. Burns was the first one to make Chimaev look human inside the Octagon. He went blow-for-blow with the Chechen and almost pulled off the upset. Many still argue that Burns won the fight.

The Brazilian’s last win was against Jorge Masvidal in Miami in April 2023. Burns shut him down completely and sent him into retirement.

His only title shot came against a prime Kamaru Usman, whom he dropped in the first round. Usman proved too much for ‘Durinho’ in the second round and knocked him out.

Burns exits on a five-fight losing skid. In those five, you’ll find the names Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Michael Morales. Two of them are former undisputed welterweight champions, who got their title shots after their respective wins over Burns. The third is Morales, a young and hungry up-and-comer who many expect to fight for the title next.

“Respect Gilbert you were one of the good guys it was an honor to share the cage with you,” Muhammad wrote on X after the retirement announcement.

So, considering the run that Burns was on before his skid, do you think he has earned the right to be called a ‘legend’?