Kamaru Usman pens classy tribute to rival Gilbert Burns after UFC Winnipeg retirement

One of Gilbert Burns’ biggest rivals, former UFC champ Kamaru Usman, issued a classy message after the welterweight star’s retirement.

UFC welterweight fan favorite Gilbert Burns hung up the gloves following a loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday. After dropping his fifth consecutive fight, Burns opted to announce his retirement in the Octagon at UFC Winnipeg, despite no previous hints at ending his career.

Burns’ recent UFC struggles came after a dynamic run in the welterweight division after making the full-time move from lightweight earlier in his career. He earned wins over the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson, and former UFC champ Tyron Woodley.

Many of Burns’ UFC fighting colleagues have penned tributes since he announced his retirement at UFC Winnipeg. One of those was former UFC welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman, who trained with Burns earlier in their careers before clashing in the cage at UFC 258.

Kamaru Usman reacts to former rival Gilbert Burns’ retirement at UFC Winnipeg

In a recent Instagram post, the former UFC welterweight champion Usman penned a farewell message to his former rival and training partner after UFC Winnipeg.

“What a career my brother,” Usman said of Burns.

“Truly iron sharpened iron.”

Usman defeated Burns by third-round TKO at UFC 258 in what was his third out of five successful UFC welterweight title defenses. Burns’ retirement comes when Usman’s immediate UFC future is unclear after a long hiatus stemming from his win at UFC Atlanta last year.

Burns earned five post-fight bonuses in his UFC tenure, including his ‘Fight of the Night’ with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273. He also holds the third rank on the UFC’s all-time armbar submissions list.

Despite their up-and-down relationship during their careers, Usman and Burns’ careers will always be linked in and out of the Octagon. The longtime teammates appear in great spirits as Usman prepares to return to the cage later this year.

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