Gilbert Burns stated he had not planned to retire after his most recent fight but was mentally prepared for that possibility. He explained that if he failed to perform at his best again, he would be ready to walk away rather than continue fighting just for paychecks. Burns revealed his post-fighting ambitions, including becoming an MMA manager, believing he knows how to build successful careers. He also expressed interest in helping young fighters with jiu-jitsu and plans 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 the importance of positively impacting young people's futures through this venture.
Gilbert Burns has revealed that retirement was not part of his plan heading into his most recent fight, but he had mentally prepared himself to walk away if his performance fell short of his own standards.
The Brazilian welterweight, known as "Durinho," explained that continuing to compete simply to collect a paycheck was not something he was willing to accept. If he could not perform at his best, he said, he would rather step away from the sport on his own terms.
Burns, 39, carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses competing at 170 pounds, where he is currently ranked 13th in the division. A member of Kill Cliff FC, the five-foot-ten 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 consistently on the ground with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes. His jiu-jitsu credentials remain a cornerstone of his identity inside the cage.
Looking beyond his fighting career, Burns outlined several ambitions he intends to pursue. He expressed a desire to transition into MMA management, drawing on his experience to help guide younger fighters toward successful careers. He also spoke about plans to open a gym in South Florida alongside close friend Wagner Rocha, with a mission centered on shaping the lives of young people rather than simply teaching martial arts technique.
Why it matters
- Burns frames retirement as a performance-based decision, not a fixed plan, leaving his competitive future open
- His management ambitions and gym project signal a clear vision for life after fighting
- A focus on youth development through jiu-jitsu reflects a personal priority beyond the sport's commercial side
