Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Darya Zheleznyakova both successfully made weight for their bouts at UFC Winnipeg. The main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott is officially confirmed after both fighters made the welterweight limit. Thiago Moises and John Castaneda required second attempts to make weight but ultimately succeeded. Castaneda had previously requested a catchweight bout at 63 kg (139 pounds), to which Vologdin agreed. As a result of the catchweight arrangement, Castaneda will forfeit 30% of his purse to Vologdin. All scheduled fights remain intact for the event.
All fighters on the UFC Winnipeg card have made weight, clearing the way for a full slate of bouts on April 17. Among those confirmed are Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Darya Zheleznyakova, who both hit their marks without issue. The main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott is officially set after both men came in at the welterweight limit.
Burns, 39, carries a 22-10 record into the night, ranked 13th in the welterweight division. The Brazilian veteran out of Kill Cliff FC brings a steady offensive game, averaging 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and is a consistent threat on the mat with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
John Castaneda, the 34-year-old American known as "Sexi Mexi," enters at 21-8-1. Fighting out of The Academy, Castaneda is one of the more active strikers on the card, landing 4.42 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. He did require a second attempt to make weight and had previously requested a catchweight arrangement at 63 kilograms, or 139 pounds. His opponent Vologdin agreed to the adjustment, but the concession comes at a cost — Castaneda will forfeit 30 percent of his purse as a result.
Thiago Moises, the 31-year-old Brazilian from American Top Team, also needed a second attempt before successfully making weight. Moises carries a 19-10 record and is a submission-minded lightweight, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The catchweight penalty means Castaneda absorbs a significant financial hit before he even walks to the Octagon
- Burns' ranking at 13th in welterweight means a strong performance could push him back up a crowded division
- Moises' submission-heavy style sets up an intriguing stylistic test for whoever he faces on the card
