Gilbert Burns revealed he did not initially plan to retire after his recent fight but was prepared for that possibility. He stated that if he cannot fully demonstrate his abilities again, he is ready to retire because he does not want to fight just for a paycheck. Burns announced plans to become an MMA manager, believing he knows how to build a fighter's career successfully. He also intends to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha, focusing on changing children's lives rather than simply teaching martial arts. Burns emphasized his desire to impact young people's futures positively through this venture.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about his future in combat sports, revealing retirement plans alongside ambitions to transition into MMA management and open a gym in South Florida.
The Brazilian welterweight, who competes out of Kill Cliff FC, said he did not enter his most recent fight expecting it to be his last, but he had mentally prepared for that outcome. Burns made clear he has no interest in continuing simply to collect a paycheck — if he cannot fully showcase his abilities inside the cage, he is ready to walk away on his own terms.
Burns, known as "Durinho," carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses at 39 years old. The five-foot-ten orthodox fighter holds a reach of 71 inches and is currently ranked thirteenth in the welterweight division. Over his career he has demonstrated well-rounded offensive output, averaging 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening consistently on the ground with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight at 13, so his retirement would remove a seasoned veteran from a competitive 170-pound division
- His transition to management signals a broader shift in his MMA identity beyond competing
- The planned South Florida gym, built with close friend Wagner Rocha, carries a community-focused mission centered on positively shaping young people's lives rather than purely developing fighters
Beyond the professional side, Burns described the gym project as a cause larger than martial arts instruction. He and Rocha intend to build something that changes children's futures, with community impact serving as the primary motivation. His post-fighting path, combining management experience with grassroots development, reflects a deliberate vision for what comes after competition at the highest level.
