Burrell is from the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Overbrook High School where he competed in football as well as track and field, and was talented. Burrell often got into fights and ultimately did not stick with sports as he admits that "did not like taking orders". However, after Burrell began watching UFC fights, he became motivated to become a mixed martial arts fighter himself.
After a 3-2 amateur career, Burrell began his professional MMA career in 2010. He fought only for middle Atlantic states organizations. With a MMA record of 5-1, he signed with Strikeforce.
Strikeforce
Burrell made his debut on May 20, 2011 at against Joe Ray. He won via unanimous decision. Burrell faced Lukasz Les on August 12, 2011 at Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte. He won via TKO in the second round. Burrell faced James Terry on January 7, 2012 at. He won via split decision. Burrell was expected to face Bobby Voelker on May 19, 2012 at, however Voelker had to withdraw due to injury and was replaced by Chris Spang. He lost via TKO in the first round. Burrell was expected to face Yuri Villefort on September 29, 2012 at. However, the event was cancelled due to headliner and lightweight championGilbert Melendez getting injured.
Burrell made his promotional debut against fellow Strikeforce import Yuri Villefort on February 23, 2013 at UFC 157. He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Burrell faced Stephen Thompson on May 25, 2013 at UFC 160. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
Bellator MMA
Burrell was expected to make his promotional debut against Dante Rivera on November 15, 2013 at Bellator 108. However, Rivera was removed from the card due to undisclosed reasons and Burrell instead faced Jesus Martinez. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Burrell faced Andrey Koreshkov in the quarterfinal match of on March 14, 2014 at Bellator 112. He was defeated early in the first round via TKO at 0:41. Burrell faced Michael Page at on October 10, 2014, and lost the bout via unanimous decision.
Absolute Championship Berkut
Burrell faced Beslan Isaev on December 23, 2017 at. He lost the fight by majority decision. Burrell faced Albert Tumenov on December 23, 2017 at. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
