EXCLUSIVE: Hungry for a fight, Durinho sets his sights on duels against Demian Maia, Kron Gracie, and Rafael dos Anjos in UFC BJJ.

This Thursday (4), in Las Vegas (USA), Gilbert Durinho returns to action after announcing his retirement from MMA in April. The former challenger for the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) will debut in UFC BJJ, the organization's league focused on promoting grappling fights, against Horlando Monteiro and is excited about the new journey in combat sports. So much so that the Brazilian has a number of targets, mainly compatriots.

In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , Durinho respectfully expressed his interest in facing Demian Maia , Kron Gracie, and Rafael dos Anjos . It's worth noting that the Brazilian, before transitioning to MMA and achieving success in the UFC, made his mark in Jiu-Jitsu, just like the trio on his radar.

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Furthermore, in the UFC, Durinho knocked out Demian in the first round in 2020. But anyone who thinks the veteran is only eyeing fights against compatriots is mistaken. On the contrary, the athlete also mentions three well-known Americans as potential opponents.

“There are several guys. From UFC guys, I think Chiesa would be an awesome fight. I don't think Colby will ever fight, but it would be cool. There are several legends that I think would be cool, you'd just have to agree on the weight. I think Rafael dos Anjos would be a cool fight. Ben Henderson would be cool. Demian, with all due respect, if he's not retired for good, if he wants to, it would be a cool fight,” said the athlete.

"And there are the jiu-jitsu guys too, I have several stories with them. Kron Gracie and many others. There are many guys I think I could have a great fight with. Serginho Moraes . If I start here, everyone will join. Whoever wants to, let's go, let's have a little fight," he concluded.

Durinho celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Durinho's fighters in MMA

Gilbert Burns , 39, was successful in Jiu-Jitsu and is a legend in MMA. The Brazilian began his career in the sport in 2012, debuted in the UFC in 2014, and retired in 2026. At his peak, he competed for the welterweight title.

In this sport, Durinho built a record of 22 wins and ten losses. His main victories were over Demian Maia , Jorge Masvidal , Neil Magny , Stephen Thompson , and Tyron Woodley.

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