After his unexpected retirement, Gilbert Burns has outlined his new path forward and revealed how he hopes to make a difference in the sport.

UFC Winnipeg marked the organisation’s return to Canada, with Burns facing Mike Malott in the main event. ‘Durinho’ was aiming to snap a four-fight losing skid but ended up suffering another defeat, this time by third-round knockout.

It was an emotional moment as Burns left his gloves in the centre of the Octagon, signalling his retirement after a career that saw him challenge for the welterweight title.

Before stepping into the Octagon in Winnipeg, there hadn’t been any real signs that Burns was thinking about retiring. But after the fight, it was clear to him that it was time to move on.

Having spent more than a decade competing at the highest level, he feels he’s picked up a lot along the way that could benefit younger fighters coming up through the ranks.

Now, Burns has shared that he plans to step into fighter management, aiming to do things differently from how many managers currently operate.

“I think now, another cycle of my life will begin where I will also give my all, I will dedicate myself, I will do many things, I already have a plan to be a manager now, this plan was tucked away in a drawer, now it’s time to take it out of the draw,” Burns said.

He added: “I think it’s possible to help many athletes get to the UFC with good work. I think there are many managers who just put the guy there and give the minimum amount of help, but it doesn’t really help a guy to have a professional career as it should be.”

While it’s not common for fighters to transition into management roles after their careers end, Burns’ experience makes him well-suited for it.

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