Gilbert Burns emotionally retires after KO defeat to Mike Malott in UFC Winnipeg major event

Former UFC title contender Gilbert Burns’ return to the octagon resulted in a 3rd round KO defeat tonight on the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

In his home country of Canada, Mike Malott entered the cage knowing what an enormous opportunity he had in front of him. After 4 straight wins, a welterweight rating and even perhaps a top ten berth was on offer with a solid performance.

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Meanwhile, Burns’ entire profession looked as if it would hang within the balance given his lengthy losing streak. He had lost 4 fights since 2023 when he sent Jorge Masvidal into retirement, and ended up facing an analogous fate within the case of a loss.

Gilbert Burns vs Mike Malott UFC Winnipeg result

Mike Malott became certainly one of the rare Canadians who has been given the prospect to compete in a major event at home, and made probably the most of his walkout. He emerged to the tune of Sum 41’s ‘Fat Lip’ to rapturous applause from the house crowd.

The veteran Gilbert Burns was given a frosty reception, then again, as he made the walk for his first fight in almost a 12 months. He looked comfortable on the feet within the opening exchanges, opting against using his black belt grappling early.

By the top of the second, the Brazilian had attempted to get the fight to the bottom just a few times. But he struggled with Malott’s takedown defense and the bout ended up going to the third with none takedowns.

Round three was one other back-and-forth affair until about two minutes in when Malott landed a giant right hand that dropped the veteran. And after Burns got up, he was quickly floored again and the fight was stopped by the referee.

Gilbert Burns hangs up the gloves

After the fight ended, Burns dropped his gloves on the canvas and broke down in tears. And it seems that that is all she wrote for the Brazilian’s profession. He thanked the Canadian fans before leaving a message for his home fans in Portuegese.

Despite being booed into the cage, the legend was cheered out of it by the fans as he cut an emotional promo to Paul Felder.