Former UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns isn’t dwelling on his loss last weekend to Michael Morales.

The Brazilian submission expert, 38, who on Saturday was defeated by first-round TKO by the still-unbeaten Ecuadorian fighter Michael Morales, had ascended to the verge of a world title four years ago before losing to then-champion Kamaru Usman.

However, despite claiming victories against the likes of Stephen Thompson, Neil Magny and Stephen Thompson since then, Burns’ loss to Morales was his fourth defeat in succession – potentially placing his spot in the UFC’s 170-pound fold in jeopardy.

But even amid ongoing career uncertainty, Burns has paid tribute to the surging contender Morales for his successful showing in the cage in Las Vegas last weekend.

“Thankful for this journey!” Burns wrote in a message posted to social media.

“I’m still super blessed!” he added. “Of course, it wasn’t the outcome I was looking forward to, especially for this one. I work extremely hard, who saw, saw, but it’s the fight game and it’s life! Congrats to Michael Morales, wishing you and your team all the success!

“That’s it, no sad stories! Grateful for this beautiful journey and for all the lessons! God is good all the time! All honors, praise, and glory are given to him in a win or defeat!”

Morales, meanwhile, is now a perfect 18-0 in his career, with 14 of those coming inside the distance and is expected to be handed a top-ten challenge in his next Octagon assignment.