Gilbert Burns to become MMA manager, ready for tough negotiations with UFC

Gilbert Burns has some meaningful next steps planned after retiring from MMA competition.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger laid down his gloves this past Saturday when he suffered a TKO loss to Mike Malott in the UFC Fight Night 273 main event. It was the fifth consecutive loss for Burns (22-10 MMA, 15-10 UFC), and one that made it clear to him that his time was over.

Burns said he is content with his career and has "no regrets," and part of that is due to the fact that he's prepared for this moment. At 39, Burns knew his time was nearing its end, win or lose, so he's been setting the framework for his next chapter, which includes grappling competitions, opening his own gym focused on youth jiu-jitsu, and also entering the world of MMA management.

With more than 14 years of experience as an MMA fighter and a decorated run in grappling before that, Burns has accumulated much knowledge. He doesn't feel the overall strength of athlete representation is where it should be for the sport, and he wants to try to give some fighters a better chance.

"I'm going to become a manager, too – that's another thing that I'm going to have in my career," Burns told MMA Junkie. "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.

"The relationship with the UFC and with the fans. I think that's something I can teach these guys, the younger generation. And 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."

Burns said he intends to begin his management journey by working alongside his own longtime manager, Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA. Once he's comfortable in the role, Burns said he intends to split "to have the autonomy of my fighter fighting his fighter."

The necessity and usefulness of management in MMA is a long-debated topic. Some fighters have stated they do not feel the need for representation when in the negotiating room with the UFC brass, while others have touted it as essential, especially for those managers wielding a strong relationship with the likes of Hunter Campbell, Dana White, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby.