Gilbert Burns has stated he did not plan to retire after his most recent bout, but he was prepared for that possibility. The Brazilian welterweight says if he cannot showcase his skills fully in future fights, he is ready to walk away rather than compete only for a paycheck. Burns plans to transition into MMA management and believes he can excel at building fighters' careers. He also wants to help young athletes through jiu-jitsu, partnering with his close friend Wagner Rocha to open a gym in South Florida focused on changing kids' futures. Burns emphasized that his post-fighting mission is about transforming lives, not just teaching martial arts.
Gilbert Burns says he has made peace with the idea of retirement, even if he has not yet set a date. The Brazilian welterweight, speaking publicly about his future in the sport, made clear that stepping away is firmly on the table if he can no longer perform at the level he demands of himself.
Burns, known as "Durinho," carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses and currently sits ranked thirteenth in the welterweight division. The 39-year-old from Brazil trains out of Kill Cliff FC and has built his reputation on a well-rounded game anchored by elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Fighting out of an orthodox stance at five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, he averages 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute and 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes, numbers that reflect a pressure-heavy, submission-aware style throughout his career.
The veteran was candid that retirement was not his intention heading into his most recent fight, but he acknowledged he had mentally prepared for that outcome. His message was direct: competing purely for a paycheck, without the ability to truly showcase his skills, is not something he is willing to do.
Burns also outlined what comes next when the cage door finally closes for good. He intends to move into MMA management, expressing genuine confidence that he can help guide younger fighters through the business of the sport. Alongside his close friend Wagner Rocha, he plans to open a gym in South Florida dedicated to jiu-jitsu, with an explicit focus on giving young athletes a path forward.
Why it matters
- Burns remains an active-ranked welterweight at 39, so any retirement talk carries real divisional weight at 170 pounds
- His management ambitions reflect a growing trend of experienced fighters staying inside the sport in off-cage roles
- The South Florida gym project signals a long-term community investment beyond personal career planning
