Gilbert Burns stated he did not plan to retire after his recent fight but was prepared for that possibility. Burns said if he cannot fully showcase his abilities again, he is ready to walk away because he refuses to fight just for a paycheck. He revealed plans to become an MMA manager, believing he knows how to build a fighter's career effectively. Burns also wants to help young jiu-jitsu practitioners and plans to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha, focusing on changing children's futures rather than just teaching martial arts.
Gilbert Burns says he is at peace with the idea of retirement, but only on his own terms.
The Brazilian welterweight, known as "Durinho," spoke openly about his future following his most recent fight, making clear that hanging up the gloves was not his immediate intention — though he acknowledged it as a real possibility. Burns stated that if he can no longer perform at the level he holds himself to, he will walk away from the sport rather than continue competing simply for a paycheck.
Burns, 39, holds a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC welterweight division. The Kill Cliff FC standout stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. Over his career he has averaged 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes — a reflection of the well-rounded game that made him a title challenger earlier in his career.
Beyond fighting, Burns revealed a concrete post-career plan. He intends to transition into MMA management, expressing confidence that his experience inside the sport has given him the tools to help build young fighters' careers effectively. Alongside close friend Wagner Rocha, he also plans to open a gym in South Florida, with an emphasis on using jiu-jitsu as a vehicle for changing children's lives rather than simply teaching martial arts techniques.
Why it matters
- Burns is ranked 13th at welterweight at 39 years old, placing him at a natural career crossroads
- His standards-driven approach to retirement sets a clear threshold for how much longer he competes
- His management and gym ambitions signal a well-mapped transition out of active competition
- The South Florida project reflects a community-focused mission tied to his jiu-jitsu roots
