Gilbert Burns reflects on his career and highlights the dangers of his rival at UFC Winnipeg.

Gilbert Durinho is a former UFC title challenger. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

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Gilbert Durinho He opened up about the current stage of his career before facing... Mike Malott in the main fight of UFC Winnipeg, scheduled for Saturday (18), in Canada. The Brazilian analyzed his evolution inside the octagon, projected the confrontation against the Canadian and reflected on his journey in the sport. Living through a delicate phase, the veteran has the opportunity to break the cycle of four consecutive defeats.

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In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', Durinho highlighted that he is going through a process of changing his mindset, especially after the period away following the fight against MichaelMoralesAccording to the Brazilian, the more aggressive style has given way to a more strategic approach.

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“In the beginning, I was like a runaway car. I went in there to see who was tougher, who could take the most punishment. But, facing high-level fighters, I gained a lot of experience. All the camps, the studies, and the fights gave me this background. Now, nearing 40 years old, I need to use more intelligence than just aggression. It will be much more about strategy, but without losing my instinct,” explained Durinho.

Even under pressure to deliver results, the veteran shows caution when analyzing the next opponent. In Durinho's view, Mike Malott He is a complete and dangerous fighter, although he is still underestimated by some of the public. The Brazilian drew attention to the Canadian's balance, who, according to him, combines good skills in both striking and grappling, in addition to controlling the pace of the fights well.

"I think he's very well-rounded. Many people underestimate him, saying he hasn't faced big names, but I think he's very good. They talk about the defeat against..." Neil Magny"But Magny is incredibly tough. If you don't take him out of the fight, he'll keep coming back, which is what happened. That says more about Magny than about Malott. Mike is balanced, has good striking, good grappling, and controls the pace and distance well," analyzed the Brazilian.

Gilbert Durinho expresses gratitude for his MMA career.

Gilbert Durinho at the UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction UFC Brazil

The former UFC welterweight (up to 77 kg) title challenger gave a sincere assessment of his career. Despite not winning the title, Durinho valued the path he built in MMA, highlighting achievements outside the octagon and acknowledging that he still intends to have a few more fights before ending his career in the sport.

"It's been an incredible journey. It wasn't easy, but I had great fights, I competed for the title. I always wanted to be champion, of course, but not everything happens as we plan. On the other hand, I managed to leave Brazil, bring my family, today we are American citizens and we are financially secure. I took care of my family and built a great career."

I still have a few more fights ahead of me, not many, but a few. I'm very proud of my journey. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would get to where I am today,” the Niterói native told 'MMA Junkie Radio'.