Gilbert Burns stated he did not plan to retire after his recent fight, but was prepared for that possibility if he cannot perform at his best. He expressed interest in becoming an MMA manager and believes he knows how to build careers for fighters. Burns also announced plans to open a gym in South Florida with his close friend Wagner Rocha, focusing on changing lives of young people through martial arts. He emphasized he does not want to continue fighting just for paychecks if he cannot compete at the level he expects of himself.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about his fighting future, revealing he is weighing the possibility of retirement while laying the groundwork for a new chapter in combat sports.
Burns, known as "Durinho," is a 39-year-old Brazilian welterweight currently ranked 13th in the UFC's 170-pound division. Competing out of Kill Cliff FC, the orthodox fighter carries a professional record of 22-10 and has long been one of the more technically complete fighters in the division, averaging 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute with 48 percent striking accuracy, while also posing a consistent grappling threat at 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Speaking publicly following his most recent outing, Burns made clear he had not intended to retire after the fight but acknowledged the possibility is on the table if he can no longer perform at the standard he demands of himself. He was direct in stating he has no interest in continuing to compete simply for a paycheck.
Beyond the cage, Burns outlined two significant ventures he is pursuing. He plans to open a gym in South Florida alongside close friend Wagner Rocha, with a mission centered on using martial arts to positively impact the lives of young people in the area. He also expressed a strong desire to move into MMA management, stating he has the knowledge and experience to help build fighters' careers.
Why it matters
- At 39 with a 22-10 record, Burns is navigating the later stages of a distinguished welterweight career
- His transition plans signal a potential shift in how he views his competitive future
- A South Florida gym and management role would keep him embedded in MMA well beyond his fighting days
- His ranking at 13th in the welterweight division means any continued activity still carries meaningful divisional weight
