Gilbert Burns is closing the book on his MMA fighting career and opening several new chapters, including a move into fighter management.
Burns retired from competition after a TKO loss to Mike Malott at UFC Fight Night 273, his fifth consecutive defeat. He now plans to continue competing in grappling events, launch his own gym focused on youth jiu-jitsu, and step into the business side of the sport.
"I'm going to become a manager, too – that's another thing that I'm going to have in my career," Burns said, emphasizing his desire to guide the next generation. "I want to become an MMA manager. We have a few managers that do a great job. A lot doesn't do a good job. I think what I did in my career wth Ali (Abdelaziz) and a lot of the work I did to become a brand, and speaking English, and getting big sponsors and big fights, and get on the microphone to say what I want to say. I think it's a way that I can help a lot of fighters."
Burns, a former UFC welterweight title challenger with more than 14 years of MMA experience and a decorated grappling background, intends to initially work alongside Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA. He believes his understanding of "The relationship with the UFC and with the fans" can benefit younger athletes and said, "I think I will do a good job as a manager as well, and that's the next thing I want to do in my career."
