Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott faced off for the final time before their main event showdown at UFC Winnipeg. The welterweight bout will headline the card. The post includes a poll asking fans who they support in the matchup. No additional details about the fighters' preparations or predictions were provided in this brief update.
Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott completed their final faceoff ahead of their welterweight main event at UFC Winnipeg, with the two fighters set to headline the card on April 18, 2026.
Burns, nicknamed "Durinho," enters the bout carrying a 22-10 record and holds the thirteenth rank in the welterweight division. The 39-year-old Brazilian trains out of Kill Cliff FC and brings a well-rounded game to the cage, averaging 3.15 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening on the mat with 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, Burns has long been one of the division's most complete competitors.
Malott, known as "Proper," is the hometown favorite representing Canada, and the 34-year-old carries a 14-2-1 record into the fight. Training out of Team Alpha Male, he stands six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach and edges Burns in striking output, averaging 3.93 significant strikes per minute at the same 48 percent accuracy clip. He also adds a submission threat, posting 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 1.88 takedowns in that same span.
Why it matters
- Burns, ranked thirteenth at welterweight, needs a statement win to climb back toward title contention at age 39
- Malott fights in front of a home crowd in Winnipeg, adding significant pressure and energy to a main event slot
- Both fighters share identical striking accuracy, making pace and volume a potential deciding factor in a stylistically close matchup
- A Canadian fighter headlining in Canada carries divisional and promotional weight beyond the rankings picture alone
