Gilbert Burns revealed he did not initially plan to retire after today's fight but was prepared for that possibility. He stated if he cannot perform at his full level again, he is ready to walk away rather than just fight for paychecks. Burns expressed interest in becoming an MMA manager, believing he knows how to build careers and can help fighters succeed. He wants to work with jiu-jitsu athletes and 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 this mission is about shaping young people's futures through the sport.
Gilbert Burns opened up about the prospect of walking away from professional mixed martial arts following his most recent fight, outlining a clear vision for life after competition.
The Brazilian welterweight, known throughout the sport as Durinho, said he did not enter the bout with retirement on his mind but acknowledged he had made peace with that outcome if it came to that. Burns was direct in his reasoning: if he can no longer perform at the level he demands of himself, he would rather step away than continue fighting purely for a paycheck.
Burns, 39, carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses across a career that has placed him at number 13 in the welterweight division. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, the orthodox fighter has built his reputation on a well-rounded game, averaging 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening on the ground with 2.12 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight whose future directly affects the shape of a competitive 170-pound division
- His background in jiu-jitsu and career longevity position him credibly in fighter management
- A South Florida gym focused on youth development would extend his influence beyond competition
Beyond stepping away from fighting, Burns detailed two post-career ambitions. The first is MMA management. He expressed confidence in his ability to guide fighters through the industry, pointing to his experience building a career at the highest level as preparation for that role. The second is a gym project in South Florida, planned alongside close friend Wagner Rocha. Burns framed the venture less as a traditional martial arts school and more as a program with a social mission, focused on shaping the lives of young people through the sport rather than simply teaching technique.
