Mike Malott Stops Gilbert Burns in Statement Win, Burns Retires

Veteran contender Gilbert Burns faced off with surging Canadian Mike Malott in a pivotal welterweight clash at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday night.

With Burns looking to reassert himself in the division and Malott aiming to deliver a statement win on home soil, the bout carried major implications for both fighters’ standing in the crowded welterweight landscape.

Round 1 – Burns opened in his usual wide stance, firing leg kicks early. Malott looked to pressure him toward the fence, but one of Burns’ kicks strayed low and struck the cup. Malott waved off any pause and elected to continue.

Malott surged forward, landing a pair of clean shots upstairs, prompting Burns to answer with an overhand right. Both fighters began throwing with clear intent, exchanging heavy strikes in the pocket.

Burns then attempted to close the distance for a double-leg takedown, but Malott anticipated it and sprawled effectively. The Canadian’s size and reach created problems at range, allowing him to land while forcing Burns to shell up.

Malott pressed the action late in the round, though neither fighter was able to land anything significant before the horn.

Round 2 – The second round largely belonged to Mike Malott, who continued to apply pressure and dictate the pace, forcing Gilbert Burns onto the back foot. Malott’s shots grew heavier and more accurate as the round progressed, with Burns beginning to show the effects of the accumulating damage.

Midway through the round, Burns attempted to match Malott’s output, but each time he opened up, Malott timed him with sharp flurries that found their mark. Burns also looked to mix in another takedown attempt, but Malott defended it cleanly, stuffing it with relative ease.

Round 3 – The momentum continued in favor of Mike Malott, whose pressure forced Gilbert Burns toward the fence and onto the back foot. Malott initially cut off the cage effectively, though Burns began firing back before a sharp combination from the Canadian dropped him.

Malott remained composed, patiently selecting his shots before dropping Burns a second time. From there, he poured on ground-and-pound to secure the finish in the third round.

Big time victory for Mike Malott and the Maple Leaf Militia. Following the bout Burns announced his retirement from professional MMA.

Official Result: Mike Malott def. Gilbert Burns via R3 TKO, 2:08