Gilbert Burns may be stepping away from MMA competition, but his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is far from over.
Following his retirement after a loss to Mike Malott, Burns reflected on the roots of his career and the role jiu-jitsu has played in shaping his life:
I remember I started Jiu-Jitsu at 12 and then got my black belt in 2007, became a world champion in 2010 and 2011.
Those accomplishments laid the foundation for everything that followed, including his transition into MMA and his rise to the top of the UFC welterweight division:
Even though Jiu-Jitsu in MMA, I’ve been competing at the highest level.
Now, with competition behind him, Burns is turning his attention toward something deeper – impact:
I want to help these guys with Jiu-Jitsu.
I never wanted to open up a gym. But then I have a friend of mine… Vagner Rocha, that he’s changing a lot of kids’ lives.That’s what I want to do.
He’s not teaching martial arts, but he’s changing those guys’ future.
Inspired by that example, Burns is already moving into the next phase of his career:
I’m opening up a new gym soon in South Florida.
I’m going to become a manager. I’m going to take care of my family, my kids, my wife.
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