Gilbert Burns Injury: Surgery, Rehab, and All About the Shoulder Issues of UFC Star

Gilbert Burns is set to go head-to-head against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299. Currently holding the number 4 rank in the welterweight division, the veteran Burns is looking to put an end to the rise of the young and hungry contender. Burns is returning to action after a long hiatus due to an injury he sustained in 2023.

In his fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 288, the Brazilian suffered a serious setback after he was compromised during a grappling exchange. And ahead of his return at UFC 299, let’s take a look and learn more about his injury and the grueling recovery process he had to endure!

Gilbert Burns sustained serious damage to his shoulder joint at UFC 288

During his fight with Muhammad, Burns suffered a shoulder injury in the early minutes. He shot for a takedown and caused severe damage to his arm in the process. In an interview with MMA Junkie after the event, he revealed, “All my weight, all Belal Muhammad’s weight was on my left shoulder. From there on it was hard to clear my mind and accept that I was hurt.”

He then went on to reveal the extent of the damage he had sustained and stated, “I have AC joint torn, but it’s the second to third grade. I have the dilatory torn. On the trap I have a muscle torn, and I have a sprain on my C-4 and my C-5 [vertebrae]. But all those are partial. Nothing major.”

Burns’s comments highlighted the severe damage he sustained and also his toughness as he managed to finish the entire fight with essentially the use of just one arm!

The injury had sidelined him for a significant time, and during his return to competition, he provided fans with an update on the recovery process for him. In another interview with MMA Junkie, he revealed, “I’m in no pain and injury free. I didn’t get surgery… so I had to rest a lot.”

He also confessed that for 3 months after the fight, he was essentially restricted from doing anything before he started physical therapy. Burns also revealed that stem cells were also a part of his recovery process from the injury.

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And with his issues now resolved, he is set to take on the tough Jack Della Maddalena, and in a recent interview, he stated that he is still looking for a title shot and has drawn inspiration from fellow Brazilian UFC champions!

‘Durinho’ is aiming for gold with his performance at UFC 299 

UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns is drawing inspiration from past champions as he aims for title success. Despite a setback last May in his fight against Belal Muhammad, Burns has remained determined to secure the UFC’s welterweight title.

In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, he stated, “I think to eventually get this title, I’ve gotta stay consistent, I’ve gotta keep improving. I cannot turn up to the fights with the same old tools. I’ve gotta keep reinventing myself.”

Reflecting on fighters like Charles Oliveira and Glover Teixeira, who secured UFC titles after careers filled with ups and downs, ‘Durinho’ also revealed that he sees himself on the cusp of contention for the 170 lbs title.  

As he prepares to face Jack Della Maddalena, Burns also stated that he understood the significance of making a statement with his performance. Despite his opponent’s youth, ‘Durinho’ remains focused on his quest for UFC gold, ready to make one more run at the title!

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