Gilbert Burns Makes Jiu-Jitsu Return Against Horlando Monteiro At UFC BJJ 9

MMA veteran Gilbert Burns will now be making his return to professional Jiu-Jitsu competition when he faces off against Horlando Monteiro at UFC BJJ 9 on June 4th, 2026. There was a point in time when Burns was one of the best grapplers in the world, winning three IBJJF World Championship titles across both gi […]

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Gilbert Burns, a prominent UFC fighter and former BJJ World Champion, is set to make his return to competitive Jiu-Jitsu at UFC BJJ 9. This marks a significant event for the BJJ community, as Burns has not competed in a grappling-only match since 2015. His last BJJ appearance was at the ADCC World Championship, where he reached the semi-finals before losing to Otavio Sousa and then to Lucas Lepri for third place.

Burns will face Horlando Monteiro, a highly accomplished BJJ black belt with an impressive competitive record. Monteiro is a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion, including a no-gi world title, and has also secured victories at the Pan American Championships and European Championships. This matchup promises to be a high-level grappling encounter, pitting Burns' well-rounded game against Monteiro's decorated BJJ pedigree.

The event, UFC BJJ 9, is part of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational series, which has consistently featured top-tier grappling talent. The card also includes other notable BJJ matches, such as a bout between Gabriel Sousa and Ethan Crelinsten. Burns' decision to step back onto the BJJ mats after a long hiatus, especially against a formidable opponent like Monteiro, adds considerable excitement and draws significant attention from both MMA and pure grappling fans.