Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott faced off for the final time ahead of their main event clash at UFC Winnipeg. The staredown took place as part of the official pre-fight ceremonies before the welterweight bout. No incidents or notable exchanges were reported during the faceoff. The post encourages fans to show support for their preferred fighter in the matchup. This represents the final promotional appearance before the fighters enter the octagon.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott stood across from each other one final time Friday, completing the last faceoff before their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg.
Burns, known as "Durinho," enters the fight ranked 13th in the welterweight division at 39 years old. The Brazilian veteran, who trains out of Kill Cliff FC, carries a 22-10-0 record built on a well-rounded game. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, he averages 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and adds consistent wrestling pressure, posting 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Malott, nicknamed "Proper," fights in front of a home crowd in Canada with a 14-2-1 record and a reputation as one of the more active strikers in the division. The 34-year-old Team Alpha Male product stands six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach and leads Burns in striking output, landing 3.93 significant strikes per minute at the same 48 percent accuracy. He also attempts submissions at a slightly higher rate, averaging 0.8 per 15 minutes compared to Burns's 0.5.
Why it matters
- Burns is a ranked divisional veteran looking to climb back toward the top 10 at welterweight
- Malott has the size, reach, and striking volume to test Burns across all three rounds
- Both fighters share identical striking accuracy, making pace and pressure potentially decisive elements of the stylistic matchup
- A Malott victory on home soil would represent a significant statement win in his push up the rankings
