The main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott for UFC Winnipeg has been officially confirmed after both fighters successfully completed the weigh-in process. Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Daria Zheleznyakova also made weight for their respective bouts. In an update, Thiago Moises and John Castaneda both made weight on their second attempts, ensuring all fights remain on the card. Notably, Castaneda had requested a catchweight bout at 63 kg the previous evening, which Vologdin accepted, with Castaneda agreeing to forfeit 30% of his purse to his opponent.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott are cleared to fight after both men came in on weight for their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg, with the bout now officially confirmed. Russian fighters Mark Vologdin and Daria Zheleznyakova also passed their weigh-ins without issue.
Burns, the 39-year-old Brazilian out of Kill Cliff FC, carries a 22-10 record and sits at number 13 in the welterweight rankings. The orthodox striker lands 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and supplements his stand-up with 2.12 takedown attempts per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 170 pounds.
Two fighters required second attempts to hit their marks. Thiago Moises, a 31-year-old Brazilian lightweight from American Top Team, eventually made weight and remains on the card. The orthodox fighter holds a 19-10 record and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, signaling a ground-oriented game to complement his 2.48 significant strikes per minute.
John Castaneda also needed a second attempt, but the situation around his bout carried additional complications. The 34-year-old American, fighting out of The Academy on a switch stance, had requested a catchweight agreement at 63 kilograms the night before. His opponent accepted, and Castaneda agreed to forfeit 30 percent of his purse as compensation. Castaneda owns a 21-8-1 record and produces one of the busier outputs on the card, landing 4.42 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Burns needs a strong performance to climb back up a welterweight division he once challenged for the title in
- The Castaneda catchweight arrangement is unusual and affects his opponent's preparation and Castaneda's own earnings
- Moises bringing a submission-heavy approach gives his matchup an added dimension on the ground
