Gilbert Burns has revealed that while he did not plan to retire immediately after his most recent fight, he was prepared for that possibility. He stated that if he cannot perform at his best level again, he is ready to walk away because he refuses to fight just for a paycheck. Burns outlined his post-fighting career plans, expressing his desire to become an MMA manager and stating he believes he would excel at building fighters' careers. He also wants to help young athletes in jiu-jitsu and plans to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha. Burns emphasized his interest in changing children's futures rather than simply teaching martial arts. His focus appears to be shifting toward mentorship and developing the next generation of fighters.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about the possibility of retirement and laid out a vision for life after fighting, signaling that his celebrated welterweight career may be nearing its end.
Burns, known as "Durinho," carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses and currently sits ranked 13th in the UFC welterweight division. The 39-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Kill Cliff FC, has long been one of the division's most respected veterans. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns has built his reputation on a well-rounded game that blends Brazilian jiu-jitsu with consistent striking output — he averages 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.
The fighter made clear he did not walk away immediately following his most recent bout, but acknowledged he had mentally prepared for that outcome. His stated standard is straightforward: if he can no longer perform at the highest level, he will not continue simply to collect a paycheck.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight at 39, and his exit would remove a seasoned grappling threat from the division's top 15
- His post-career path into MMA management reflects a growing trend of experienced fighters transitioning into athlete representation
- A planned gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha suggests a long-term commitment to the regional combat sports community
- His emphasis on transforming young athletes' lives through jiu-jitsu points to a mentorship-driven second chapter rather than a purely commercial venture
Burns expressed confidence that his understanding of the fight business would make him an effective manager capable of genuinely developing careers. Beyond the professional side, he wants to work with youth in jiu-jitsu, framing the mission as changing children's futures rather than simply passing on technique.
