Gilbert Burns has closed the book on his MMA career, announcing his retirement after a loss to Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Winnipeg and turning his focus to coaching, management, and jiu-jitsu competition.
Burns walks away after 25 professional MMA bouts, retiring with a 22-10 overall record and a 15-10 mark inside the UFC. During his run, he earned notable wins over Jorge Masvidal, Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley, and Stephen Thompson.
“I’ve closed that chapter, and now a new phase of my life is beginning, one where I’m going to give it my all and dedicate myself to doing a lot of things,” Burns said.
A former UFC welterweight title contender, Burns plans to become a manager and help fighters build their careers. “I already have a plan to become a manager. That plan had been sitting in a drawer and now it’s time to take it out and start organizing it. I think there’s a lot I can do to help athletes make it to the UFC, and get there the right way,” he said.
Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Burns will open his own gym and remain active on the mats. “I’m definitely going to compete in jiu-jitsu this year,” he said, targeting the World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Las Vegas in the first week of September and a bout with Piter Frank at Connect Heroes on July 11 in Rio de Janeiro.
“There’s a big IBJJF tournament, the World Master, and I’m 100 percent going to compete. I want to become a jiu-jitsu world champion in the Master division. It’s not easy, so I’ll have to train like crazy.”
