Gilbert Burns gets opponent, date set for UFC BJJ debut

Gilbert Burns, the former UFC welterweight contender, will transition to competitive jiu-jitsu with a UFC BJJ debut scheduled for June 4 against Horlando Monteiro in the co-main event of UFC BJJ 9 at the Meta APEX. Burns announced his MMA retirement earlier this month following a knockout loss to Mike Malott in Canada, ending his octagon career on a five-fight losing streak with an overall UFC record of 15-10. The move marks a return to Burns's roots in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where he built considerable success before committing full-time to mixed martial arts. In 2011, Burns claimed the IBJJF world title and defeated notable opponents including Kron Gracie, Leandro Lo, and Celso Venicius. UFC BJJ 9's main event will feature Mason Fowler defending his light heavyweight belt against 2021 IBJJF no-gi world champion Devhonte Johnson, with additional competitors rounding out the card.