Clinch Chronicles Podcast
Episode 30

From Bartering to Big Fights

with Gilbert Burns

Recorded at Pampa Gaucho

"Knocking someone out is the best for sure. 100%. You feel like a fucking animal… you're like, 'I just took this guy's soul.'"

— Gilbert Burns

In this episode

In this episode of The Clinch Chronicles Podcast, we sit down with UFC Welterweight contender and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Gilbert "Durinho" Burns. Over an extensive Brazilian steakhouse feast, Burns discusses his humble beginnings in Brazil, his transition from a world-champion grappler to a feared knockout artist in the UFC, and his mindset following battles with the elite of the 170-pound division.

Show notes & highlights

Key topics and discussions

Humble Roots & Bartering: Gilbert shares how his journey began with his father bartering car repair services for his sons' karate and jiu-jitsu lessons when the family was "very, very broke" in Brazil.

The Transition to MMA: Initially focused solely on becoming a BJJ world champion, Burns details his time training at Nova União alongside legends like José Aldo, and how Vítor Belfort eventually became his mentor during his move to MMA.

Mindset and Mental Coaching: A discussion on the importance of sports psychologists in managing the mental grind of high-level fighting and staying focused in an age of social media distractions.

Controversial Figures: Burns provides a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at his friendship with controversial BJJ figure Derek Moneyberg, defending Moneyberg's technical knowledge and IQ.

Featured segment · The Soul of a Striker

Discovering Knockout Power: Gilbert reflects on his time with the Blackzilians, sparring with heavy hitters like Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. He reveals the moment he realized his hands were dangerous—when he started knocking people down in big gloves during training.

The "Addiction" to the KO: Burns explains that while he is a world-class grappler, nothing compares to the feeling of a knockout. He describes it as "taking someone's soul" and admits that the high of a KO is what makes it so hard for fighters to retire.

Autopilot Survival: A fascinating look into the Michael Morales fight, where Gilbert reveals he was hit so hard he went into "autopilot," grappling and surviving on pure muscle memory without even remembering the round.

About the restaurant

Pampa Gaucho

Lighthouse Point, FL

Located in the scenic Lighthouse Point, Pampa Gaucho provides an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience that captures the tradition of the South American pampas. The restaurant is renowned for its vibrant rodízio service, where expert carvers bring a continuous rotation of high-quality meats directly to the table in a warm, upscale setting.

Get directions