Early career Burns made his professional debut in 2012 in the regional circuit, scoring a first-minute submission victory. After the debut, he was rapidly signed to
ONE Championship where he amassed a record of 5–2 before transitioning stateside as his contract with the organization expired. Burns signed a four-fight contract with the
Titan FC in November 2018.
Dana White's Contender Series After the short tenure in Titan, Burns was invited to participate in the
Dana White's Contender Series 23 on August 9, 2019. He faced
Darrick Minner, winning the bout via first-round submission, earning a UFC contract with the performance.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Burns made his UFC debut against fellow newcomer
Nate Landwehr at
UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos on January 25, 2020. He won the fight via knockout in round one, for which he also earned the
Performance of the Night bonus. Burns faced
Evan Dunham on June 6, 2020, at
UFC 250 in a 150 lb catchweight bout. He won the bout via rear-naked choke submission in round one. Burns faced
Daniel Pineda on August 15, 2020, at
UFC 252. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two. Burns was scheduled to face
Billy Quarantillo on July 17, 2021, at
UFC on ESPN 26. However, Burns pulled out in early June due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by
Gabriel Benítez. As the first fight of his new four-fight contract, Burns was scheduled to face Khusein Askhabov on July 16, 2022, at
UFC on ABC 3. However, after Askhabov pulled out due to injury, Burns was booked against
Bill Algeo. Despite a tight triangle choke attempt in the first round, Burns lost the fight via technical knockout in round two after he was unable to return to his feet. Burns faced
Julio Arce on March 30, 2024, at
UFC on ESPN 54. At the weigh ins, Arce weighed in at 147.25 pounds, one and a quarter pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at catchweight and Arce was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Burns. Burns lost the fight via technical knockout in round two. Replacing an injured
Gavin Tucker, Burns faced Jack Jenkins on August 17, 2024, at
UFC 305. After being knocked down in the third round, Burns lost the fight via technical knockout when he could not return to his feet. On October 10, 2024, it was reported that Burns was removed from the UFC roster. ==Professional grappling career==