Mike Malott stops Gilbert Burns as veteran announces retirement. Mike Malott delivered a statement win in the UFC Fight Night main event in Winnipeg. The fight ended in a brutal finish as Gilbert Burns announced his retirement after the loss.
On April 18, 2026, the UFC returned to Canada with a high-energy Fight Night event inside the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. The card brought together rising contenders and seasoned veterans, all looking to make a statement in their respective divisions. From top to bottom, the night had that familiar UFC feel where there was tension in the air, careers on the line, and everything to fight for.
Gilbert Burns came into the fight following a challenging stretch against some of the toughest names in the welterweight division. In May 2025, Burns suffered a first-round TKO loss to Michael Morales, a rising contender known for his explosiveness. Before that, in September 2024, he dropped a unanimous decision to Sean Brady, who controlled much of the fight with his grappling. Going further back, Burns was stopped by Jack Della Maddalena via third-round KO in March 2024, in a fight where he showed toughness but ultimately couldn’t withstand the late pressure. These results placed Burns on a three-fight losing streak, Despite the setbacks, his experience, skill set, and durability still made him a serious threat to any opponent.
On the opposite side stood Mike Malott, a fighter riding a wave of confidence and strong performances. Malott entered the fight on a three-fight winning streak, beginning with a unanimous decision victory over Trevin Giles in November 2024. He followed that up with an impressive second-round knockout of Charles Radtke in May 2025, showcasing his finishing ability. Most recently, in October 2025, Malott secured a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland proving he could handle experienced opposition over three rounds. His only recent setback came in January 2024, when he was stopped by Neil Magny via third-round TKO. Since then, however, Malott had shown clear growth and improvement, bouncing back stronger with each performance.
Mike Mallot made his way into the octagon first, followed by Gilbert Burns. The two touched gloves before getting into action. Malott started fast, taking the center and working behind a sharp jab. Burns looked to land the right hand early, but Malott’s high guard absorbed most of the impact. Malott then timed a clean uppercut, stuffed a takedown attempt, and followed up with a crisp four-punch combination. Burns found some success to the body with his left hook, using it to set up his attacks. Malott answered back by countering a low kick with a solid right hand.
Burns opened the second round with heavy calf kicks, trying to slow Malott’s movement. He went for another double-leg takedown, but it was shut down again. Malott continued to land consistently with his jab, keeping Burns at range. The Brazilian kept chopping at the lead leg, but Malott cracked him with a sharp uppercut that forced Burns to retreat. Malott followed up with another right hand, visibly damaging Burns and swelling his eye. He continued finding openings around Burns’ guard with his right hand. A big exchange saw both men land clean shots, before Burns attempted another takedown that was once again defended.
The battle between Malott’s jab and Burns’ low kicks continued into the final round. Burns timed a takedown attempt well, but couldn’t finish it. Then Malott exploded landing an uppercut-left hook combination that dropped Burns. A follow-up right hand slipped through the guard and sent Burns down a second time. Malott immediately swarmed with ground strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight, and that was the end .
“I’m on top of the world right now,” Malott said after his win. “Let’s give it up to one of the greatest legends in the sport … a true MMA legend [in Gilbert Burns]. “I thought that it could be some success with the uppercut. We sharpen every weapon. This guy’s got a chin. I’m not going to get arrogant. I’m absolutely elated right now.”
Following the conclusion of the fight, Burns immediately removed his gloves to lay down in the center of the octagon before emotionally announcing that this would serve as his final appearance in the octagon.
“I work so hard. I worked very hard for this fight,” Burns said. “I know Mike was going to fight at home. He was going to bring everything. I put on a great camp. I left no stone unturned. I couldn’t show it. Shout out to Mike Malott. I work so hard. “I think that’s it. I had a great career. I fought so hard. I want to win so bad. I think that’s it. I fought the best guys in the world. I think that’s it. But I’m content.”
In the end, Mike Malott’s sharp timing, disciplined striking, and relentless pressure proved too much for Gilbert Burns to handle over three rounds. After weathering early exchanges and steadily breaking through Burns’ defense, Malott delivered a clinical finish that brought the Winnipeg crowd to its feet. It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement performance that pushed him into serious welterweight conversation. For Gilbert Burns, however, the night carried a different weight. Following the defeat, the veteran reportedly reflected on his future in the sport and announced his retirement from active competition, closing the chapter on a long career filled with elite-level battles, title runs, and memorable wars inside the Octagon.
