UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott unfolded on April 18 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Canada, with the prelims producing multiple early stoppages. Fighters secured wins via knockouts, submissions, and decisions before the main card. The main event pits former title challenger Gilbert Burns against Canadian Mike Malott.
The prelim card kicked off with John Yannis stopping Jamie Siraj via TKO strikes at 2:43 of the first round. Robert Valentin submitted Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke at 2:22 of round one, while Marcio Barbosa knocked out Dennis Buzukja with a left hook at 1:20 of the opening frame. Gokhan Saricam halted Tanner Boser by strikes in round two at 4:43, and Jai Herbert defeated Mandel Nallo by TKO strikes at 2:05 of round one on the early main card. John Castaneda and Mark Vologdin fought to a majority draw, with scorecards reading 29-27, 28-28, and 28-28. JJ Aldrich, Melissa Croden, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Gauge Young also picked up unanimous or split decision victories over Jamey-Lyn Horth, Daria Zhelezniakova, Karine Silva, and Thiago Moisés, respectively. Gilbert Burns, ranked No. 12 in welterweight, faces Mike Malott in the main event after a four-fight skid against top contenders. Burns, nearing 40, took time off to rebuild confidence following a knockout loss to Michael Morales. 'Half of me thought that I quit in that fight with Morales. I got to rewatch it. I had the concussion and realized that I didn't quit,' Burns said. Malott, riding momentum in his home country, aims for a statement win in his first main event slot.
