Gilbert Burns stated he did not plan to retire following his recent fight but was prepared to do so if he couldn't perform at his best. The welterweight contender emphasized he refuses to continue fighting just for paychecks. Burns revealed plans to transition into MMA management, believing he can excel at building fighters' careers. He also intends to open a gym in South Florida with close friend Wagner Rocha, focusing on changing children's futures rather than just teaching martial arts. Burns clarified he never wanted to open a gym before but now sees it as a way to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about life after fighting, detailing plans that stretch well beyond the cage and into management, coaching, and community work.
Burns, 39, competes at welterweight and currently holds the number 13 ranking in that division. The Brazilian southpaw — fighting out of Kill Cliff FC — carries a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses. Known as "Durinho," he has built his reputation on a well-rounded game, averaging 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute alongside 2.12 takedown attempts per 15 minutes, a combination that has made him one of the more complete fighters in the 170-pound weight class over the years.
Burns made clear he is not stepping away from competition just yet, but acknowledged retirement is on his terms. He stated he would walk away the moment he could no longer perform at the standard he demands of himself, drawing a firm line at continuing to fight purely for financial reward.
On the other side of that transition, Burns outlined two concrete ambitions. First, he plans to move into MMA fighter management, expressing confidence in his ability to guide and develop careers from the business side of the sport. Second, he intends to open a gym in South Florida alongside his close friend Wagner Rocha. Burns was candid that running a gym was never something he previously wanted to do, but his outlook has shifted. The project is less about training fighters at an elite level and more about creating meaningful opportunities for young people and shaping their futures through martial arts.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked welterweight contender whose eventual retirement will open movement in a crowded 170-pound division
- His management ambitions could see him become an influential figure behind the scenes in MMA
- The South Florida gym project signals a long-term commitment to community development, not just the fight business
