Herbert Burns (born February 2, 1988) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the younger brother of fellow UFC fighter, Gilbert Burns.
Background
Burns was born in Niterói, Brazil, in 1988. He has two older brothers, Gilbert and Frederick, who both are also jiu-jitsu black belts.[7] He played soccer and trained Shotokan karate under his father Herbert Sr. in his early childhood, eventually winning a state championship in the latter sport.[7] As the interest in both sports gradually declined, Herbert started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the same time with his brothers when he was ten years old.[7]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Burns made his professional debut in 2012 in the regional circuit, scoring a first-minute submission victory. After the debut, he was rapidly signed to ONE Championship where he amassed a record of 5–2 before transitioning stateside as his contract with the organization expired.[13]
Burns signed a four-fight contract with the Titan FC in November 2018.[13] He ended up fighting two bouts in the organization, winning both via submission.[14]
Dana White's Contender Series
After the short tenure in Titan, Burns was invited to participate in the Dana White's Contender Series 23 on August 9, 2019. He faced Darrick Minner, winning the bout via first-round submission, earning a UFC contract with the performance.[15]
Burns faced Evan Dunham on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250 in a 150 lb catchweight bout.[19] He won the bout via rear-naked choke submission in round one.[20]
Burns faced Daniel Pineda on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252.[21] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[22]
As the first fight of his new four-fight contract, Burns was scheduled to face Khusein Askhabov on July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC 3.[25][26] However, after Askhabov pulled out due to injury, Burns was booked against Bill Algeo.[27] Despite a tight triangle choke attempt in the first round, Burns lost the fight via technical knockout in round two after he was unable to return to his feet.[28]
Burns faced Julio Arce on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54.[29] At the weigh ins, Arce weighed in at 147.25 pounds, one and a quarter pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at catchweight and Arce was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Burns.[30] Burns lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[31]
Replacing an injured Gavin Tucker, Burns faced Jack Jenkins on August 17, 2024 at UFC 305.[32] After being knocked down in the third round, Burns lost the fight via technical knockout when he could not return to his feet.[33]