After announcing his retirement from MMA following his loss to Mike Malott at UFC in Canada, Gilbert Burns wasted no time laying out what comes next. In a video, Burns was direct: jiu-jitsu competition is on the horizon.
When asked by his co-host whether he had any specific events in mind, Burns pointed straight to the IBJJF Masters World Championship.
“There’s a huge championship from IBJJF, which is the International Confederation, International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, IBJJF. There’s the Masters World Championship, it’s always there in August. I’m sure I’m going to compete. I want to be a world champion in jiu-jitsu in the Masters. It’s not easy, so I’m going to have to train a lot.”
Burns, who holds an extensive grappling resume that includes Brazilian, world, European and World Pro titles, as well as a third-place finish at ADCC, made it clear that stepping away from the octagon does not mean stepping away from competition.
“I’m going to be active. I like jiu-jitsu. I want to compete in jiu-jitsu.”
He also confirmed that while sparring is off the table for now, training will continue.
“I’m going to stop doing sparring. I’m not going to do sparring anymore… But wrestling, jiu-jitsu, I’m going to do it.”
When pressed further on his timeline and whether the gi would be part of his return, Burns hinted his first competition back may be no-gi.
“I’m going to compete again, for sure. I’m not wearing a kimono. Let’s see when the next competition is going to be. But I’ll be active in jiu-jitsu soon.”
He also framed his return to jiu-jitsu as one of three primary goals moving forward, alongside opening a new academy in Boca Raton, Florida and launching a career as an athlete manager.
“Now the goal is to go back to jiu-jitsu, open the gym and start working as a manager.”
Burns acknowledged needing to address several physical issues before getting back on the mats, including a swollen ankle, a sore left elbow and an eye injury from his final UFC bout.
“I want to rest this week, take this swelling in the eye here, do some tests to see if… My foot is very swollen. From the kick in the calf there, he blocked one that hurt”
” So I’m going to take a look at this right ankle. My left elbow, I don’t know what it was. My left elbow is also hurting a little bit. And I’m going to have to take a look in the eye here if I have to do something.”
Despite the wear, Burns was resolute. His competitive drive has not faded. It has simply found a new home.
Burn has yet to register for the event but given the timeframe it’s likely he’ll do that in near future.
