Gilbert Burns has stated he had not planned to retire after his recent fight but was prepared for that possibility. He said if he cannot perform at his best again, he is ready to walk away because he will not fight just for money. Burns revealed his post-fighting plans include becoming an MMA manager, believing he can excel at building fighters' careers. He also wants to help jiu-jitsu practitioners and, though he never wanted to open a gym before, will soon open one in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha. Burns emphasized the gym will focus on changing children's lives, not just teaching martial arts.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about his future in and out of the sport, revealing plans to transition into MMA management and open a new gym in South Florida once his fighting career comes to a close.
The 39-year-old Brazilian welterweight, known as "Durinho," carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC's welterweight division. Fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, Burns has built a reputation as one of the more technically complete fighters in the 170-pound class, averaging 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes. His jiu-jitsu background remains a cornerstone of his game throughout his career.
Burns made clear that retirement was not something he walked into his most recent fight planning for, but that he has made peace with the idea if his performances no longer meet his own standards. He stated he will not continue competing simply for a paycheck, and when the time comes to step away, he will do so on his own terms.
Looking ahead, Burns expressed genuine enthusiasm for a career in fighter management, saying he believes he can help build careers the way others helped shape his own. He also wants to give back to the jiu-jitsu community specifically.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight with significant experience, and his eventual departure would create movement in a competitive 170-pound division
- His management ambitions could give upcoming Brazilian fighters a well-connected advocate with firsthand knowledge of navigating the UFC
- The South Florida gym project, developed alongside close friend Wagner Rocha, is described as community-focused, with an emphasis on impacting children's lives beyond martial arts instruction
