Gilbert Burns has stated that he did not plan to retire after today's fight. However, he acknowledged being prepared for that possibility. Burns said if he cannot perform at his full potential again, he is ready to retire because he doesn't want to continue fighting just for the paycheck. He expressed interest in becoming an MMA manager, believing he could excel at building fighters' careers. Burns also mentioned wanting to help fighters with jiu-jitsu and plans to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha. He emphasized the gym's focus would be on changing children's futures, not just teaching martial arts.
Gilbert Burns says he is not walking away from mixed martial arts just yet, though the veteran welterweight made clear he entered his most recent fight mentally prepared to call it a career if the moment demanded it.
Burns, known as "Durinho," told interviewers that retirement remains on the table under one specific condition: if he can no longer perform at the level he expects of himself, he will not continue fighting simply to collect a paycheck. The 39-year-old Brazilian was emphatic that competing without his full capabilities is not something he is willing to accept.
The Kill Cliff FC product carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses at welterweight, where he currently holds the number 13 ranking. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns has built his reputation on well-rounded grappling, averaging 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career alongside a striking output of 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight at 39, making each performance a potential referendum on his future in the division
- His stated standard — competing at full potential or not at all — signals the division may soon see a reshuffling at the lower end of the top 15
- A planned gym in South Florida with training partner Wagner Rocha could mark the beginning of his post-fighting chapter regardless of when that transition comes
Beyond the cage, Burns outlined a clear vision for life after competition. He expressed genuine interest in MMA management, believing his experience positions him to develop fighters' careers effectively. The gym project he is planning alongside close friend Wagner Rocha in South Florida carries a community-first mission, with Burns stressing that the goal is changing children's futures through martial arts rather than simply teaching technique.
