Gilbert Burns splits UFC's best jiu-jitsu crown between Oliveira and Diego Lopes

Gilbert Burns, one of the most decorated submission artists in UFC history, has identified two Brazilian compatriots as the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the promotion — but insists the discipline must be split into two very different categories.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, Burns (22-10) drew a clear line between jiu-jitsu applied inside the cage and the pure, no-striking form of the art. For MMA, his vote goes to former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. For pure jiu-jitsu, he points to featherweight contender Diego Lopes.

“Pure jiu-jitsu — that’s a different question,” Burns said. “Because jiu-jitsu in the UFC, I would say Charles [Oliveira] is up there. But pure jiu-jitsu, I think Diego Lopes has great pure jiu-jitsu. That’s what I heard from a lot of guys who trained with him.”

The endorsement carries genuine authority. Burns himself accumulated nine career submission victories and was widely regarded as one of the sharpest grapplers of his generation, making his assessment more than casual praise.

Oliveira (37-11) needs little introduction as a grappling force. The former lightweight champion holds the UFC records for most finishes and most submissions in the promotion’s history. He enters this period of his career on a two-fight winning streak, most recently claiming the BMF title with a victory over Max Holloway.

Lopes presents a different kind of story. He relocated from Brazil to Mexico at 19 to teach jiu-jitsu, and the country has since become a second home. His UFC record over the past four fights reads 2-2, with both losses arriving in featherweight title challenges against Alexander Volkanovski. Lopes has since signalled his intention to move up to lightweight — a division where Oliveira remains a central figure — meaning the two fighters Burns singled out could eventually share the same octagon.