Mike Malott Stops Gilbert Burns In First UFC Main Event As Veteran Retires

Overview

• Malott, who headlined Saturday in Winnipeg, stopped former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns by third-round TKO and took home a $100,000 performance bonus.
• Burns announced his retirement in the cage after the loss, closing a 12-year UFC tenure that featured a 2021 title challenge against Kamaru Usman.
• The win marked Malott’s fourth straight and is expected to move him into the UFC welterweight rankings, with media suggesting higher-profile matchups next.
• Burns said he plans to become an MMA manager, aiming to help fighters build their brands, grow on social media, and make smarter matchmaking choices.
• Analyst Din Thomas criticized Malott’s post-fight positioning as a missed chance to boost star power, reflecting ongoing debate over his marketability.