Gilbert Burns stated he did not plan to retire after his recent fight but was mentally prepared for that possibility. He clarified that if he cannot perform at his desired level, he is ready to walk away because he refuses to fight just for a paycheck. Burns expressed interest in becoming an MMA manager and working with his close friend Wagner Rocha, who changes children's lives through martial arts. He plans to open a gym in South Florida focused not just on teaching combat sports but on transforming young people's futures.
Gilbert Burns has opened up about his future in mixed martial arts, revealing that while retirement was not his immediate intention after his most recent outing, he has made peace with the idea should his performances decline.
The 39-year-old Brazilian welterweight made clear that his standards remain high and that continuing to compete solely for financial reward is not something he is willing to do. Burns, who carries a professional record of 22-10 and is currently ranked thirteenth in the welterweight division, has built his career on an aggressive, well-rounded game. Competing out of Kill Cliff FC, the orthodox fighter stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and has averaged 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute across his career, complemented by a takedown rate of 2.12 per fifteen minutes that reflects his grappling-heavy background.
Beyond the cage, Burns described a clear vision for life after fighting. He expressed interest in transitioning into MMA management and spoke warmly about his close friend Wagner Rocha, whose work using martial arts to positively impact children drew particular praise. Burns also revealed plans to open a gym in South Florida, with an emphasis on shaping young people's futures rather than simply teaching combat sports technique.
Why it matters
- Burns remains an active-ranked welterweight at 13th, so his continued presence or potential exit carries real divisional weight.
- His willingness to walk away on his own terms rather than fight past his prime sets the tone for how he is approaching this chapter.
- A gym and management venture in South Florida could give him significant influence in developing the next generation of fighters.
