Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott faced off for the final time before their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg. The matchup represents a significant test for both fighters in the 170-pound division. Burns brings veteran experience and a history of competing against elite opposition, while Malott fights in his home country of Canada. The faceoff took place as part of the pre-fight media obligations. No additional details about their mindsets or predictions were shared in this report.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott stood across from each other one final time Friday, completing their pre-fight faceoff ahead of their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg on April 18.
Burns, nicknamed "Durinho," enters the bout ranked 13th in the welterweight division at 39 years old. The Brazilian representative of Kill Cliff FC carries a professional record of 22-10-0 and has built his reputation against elite opposition at 170 pounds. An orthodox fighter standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns lands 3.15 significant strikes per minute and adds a consistent grappling threat, averaging 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career.
Malott, known as "Proper," fights in front of a home crowd as a Canadian competing under the Team Alpha Male banner. The 34-year-old holds a record of 14-2-1 and presents a physically imposing frame at six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach. He generates slightly higher striking volume than his opponent, landing 3.93 significant strikes per minute, and averages 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, giving him a multi-dimensional offensive game.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked veteran at No. 13 in the welterweight division, meaning a loss could push him further from contention at 170 pounds
- A victory for Malott on home soil would represent the biggest win of his UFC career and likely earn him a divisional ranking
- Both fighters share identical striking accuracy at 48 percent, making the stand-up battle closely matched on paper
- Malott's submission rate gives him a potential edge if the fight transitions to the ground
