Gilbert Burns stated he had not planned to retire after his recent fight but was prepared for that possibility. He emphasized he is ready to walk away if he cannot perform at his best, as he refuses to fight just for a paycheck. Burns revealed plans to become an MMA manager, confident he can excel in building fighters' careers. He also wants to help with jiu-jitsu training and intends to open a gym in South Florida with his close friend Vagner Rocha, focusing on changing children's lives rather than just teaching martial arts. Burns expressed that this work would be about transforming the futures of young people.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about a future beyond the cage, revealing that retirement is very much on the table and that a career in MMA management is already taking shape.
Burns, 39, competes at welterweight and currently holds the No. 13 ranking in the division. The Brazilian representative of Kill Cliff FC carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns has built his reputation on a well-rounded game, averaging 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also threatening consistently on the ground with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes and a steady submission threat.
Speaking publicly, Burns made clear he did not enter his most recent fight expecting it to be his last, but said he had mentally prepared for that outcome. His position is firm: he will not continue competing simply to collect a paycheck. If he cannot perform at the level he demands of himself, he is ready to walk away.
Beyond retirement, Burns outlined concrete plans for his next chapter. He intends to move into MMA management, expressing confidence in his ability to help fighters develop their careers. He also revealed plans to open a gym in South Florida alongside close friend and training partner Vagner Rocha, with a mission that extends well past teaching technique. Burns framed the project in terms of community impact, describing it as an effort to transform the futures of young people rather than simply run a martial arts school.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight whose departure would open movement in a competitive division
- His crossover into management could influence how Brazilian fighters are represented and guided
- The South Florida gym project signals a long-term community commitment tied closely to his jiu-jitsu background
