Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott participated in their official face-off ahead of their welterweight bout at UFC Winnipeg. The staredown between the two fighters was captured on video. Burns, a longtime contender, will face the Canadian Malott on home soil. This bout is part of the UFC Winnipeg main card scheduled for April 19, 2026.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott stood face to face Friday at the official staredown ahead of their welterweight matchup at UFC Winnipeg, with the moment captured on video as the two fighters sized each other up less than 24 hours before they meet on the main card April 19, 2026.
Burns, nicknamed "Durinho," enters the bout ranked 13th in the welterweight division and carries a 22-10-0 professional record. The 39-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Kill Cliff FC, is a seasoned contender in the 170-pound class. An orthodox striker standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns averages 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and adds a consistent grappling threat with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Malott, a Canadian fighter nicknamed "Proper," holds a 14-2-1 record and competes out of Team Alpha Male. The 34-year-old stands six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach and brings slightly higher striking output, averaging 3.93 significant strikes landed per minute, also at 48 percent accuracy. He also attempts submissions at a rate of 0.8 per 15 minutes, suggesting a well-rounded offensive approach.
Why it matters
- Burns, a ranked contender, faces Malott on Canadian soil, adding crowd pressure to the equation
- A win for Malott could push him firmly into the ranked picture at welterweight
- Both fighters share identical striking accuracy, making volume and grappling transitions potential differentiators
- Burns holds a physical reach disadvantage of two inches against the taller Malott
