The main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott has been officially confirmed for UFC Winnipeg after both fighters successfully completed the weigh-in process. Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Darya Zheleznyakova also made weight for their respective bouts on the card. An update noted that Thiago Moises and John Castaneda both made weight on their second attempts, ensuring all fights remain intact. Notably, Castaneda had requested a catchweight bout at 63 kg (139 pounds) the previous evening, which Vologdin agreed to, and Castaneda will forfeit 30% of his purse to Vologdin as a result. All scheduled matchups are now official and ready to proceed.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott are cleared to fight after both men came in on weight ahead of their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg on April 17.
Burns, nicknamed "Durinho," enters at 39 years old representing Brazil and Kill Cliff FC. The ranked number 13 welterweight carries a 22-10 record built on a well-rounded skill set — he averages 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, blending grappling threat with consistent output on the feet.
The card's undercard bouts are also officially set. Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Darya Zheleznyakova made weight without complications for their respective matchups.
The morning did see some last-minute drama lower on the card. Both Thiago Moises and John Castaneda required second attempts to hit their marks. Moises, a 31-year-old Brazilian lightweight out of American Top Team, holds a 19-10 record and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a consistent grappling threat. Castaneda, the 34-year-old American known as "Sexi Mexi" who competes out of The Academy, carries a 21-8-1 record and is one of the more active strikers on the roster, landing 4.42 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Castaneda had approached his opponent the previous evening requesting a catchweight agreement at 63 kilograms — 139 pounds — which was accepted. As a result, Castaneda will forfeit 30 percent of his purse to his opponent.
Why it matters
- Burns at ranked 13th in the welterweight division means the main event carries real divisional implications for both men
- Castaneda's purse penalty adds financial consequence to what was already a difficult weight cut
- All bouts remain intact, preserving a full card for UFC's return to Winnipeg
