Gilbert Burns stated he had not planned to retire after his most recent fight but was mentally prepared for that possibility. Burns explained that if he couldn't perform to his full capabilities again, he would be ready to walk away rather than simply fighting for paychecks. Looking ahead to post-fighting life, Burns expressed interest in becoming an MMA manager, believing he knows how to build successful careers. He also plans to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha, focusing on changing children's lives rather than just teaching martial arts. Burns emphasized his desire to make a meaningful impact on young people's futures through this venture.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about his mindset heading into what could have been the final fight of his career, revealing he was mentally prepared to retire if he could no longer compete at the level he demands of himself.
Burns, the 39-year-old Brazilian welterweight who competes out of Kill Cliff FC, carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses. Ranked 13th in the welterweight division, he has built a reputation as one of the more well-rounded grapplers in the 170-pound weight class, averaging 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking output of 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute. The orthodox fighter stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach.
Burns made clear he had not walked into his most recent bout with retirement on his mind, but had privately accepted that stepping away was the right call if his body and performance could no longer match his standards. Rather than continuing to fight purely for a paycheck, he said he would prefer to close the chapter entirely.
Why it matters
- Burns is a veteran presence in a stacked welterweight division, and his long-term plans signal he is thinking seriously about life after competition
- His interest in MMA management could bring his career experience to bear for up-and-coming fighters
- A planned gym in South Florida with friend Wagner Rocha would extend his influence into grassroots martial arts development
Beyond management ambitions, Burns described plans to open a training facility in South Florida alongside close friend Wagner Rocha. He framed the project not as a conventional gym but as a vehicle for shaping young people's futures, emphasizing the impact he hopes to have on children's lives through martial arts.
