Gilbert “Durinho” Burns is set to face Canadian fighter Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Fight Night this Saturday, April 18. The match will take place at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Canada, and will feature athletes competing in the welterweight category (up to 77 kg).
Burns’ Background and Predictions
Currently ranked 11th in the welterweight division, Burns has experienced a challenging streak, losing his last four bouts against top-tier opponents. His recent fighters include notable names like Michael Morales, Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Belal Muhammad. Prior to this tough period, Burns enjoyed two impressive victories and engaged in a fierce contest against Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning middleweight champion (up to 84 kg).
Thoughts on Facing Malott
In a recent interview, Burns discussed his matchup with Malott and expressed his preference for fighting in his opponent’s territory. “I like fighting in the opponent’s house. There is always pressure, but fighting at home increases it. His family and friends will be there supporting him,” Burns explained. He noted that Malott, while a solid competitor, has not faced many ranked opponents, making this fight a significant test for both fighters.
Malott’s Recent Performance
Mike Malott enters this matchup on a winning streak, having won his last three fights against Kevin Holland, Charles Radtke, and Trevin Giles. Despite being a rising prospect, Burns believes that Malott has yet to face the level of competition that defines the top fighters in their division.
Looking Ahead
Burns is confident about his chances in this bout, envisioning a quick finish. “I believe I will win. It could be a submission or a technical knockout against Malott,” he remarked. He also highlighted his training partnerships with Vicente Luque and Gregory Rodrigues, celebrating their recent successes in the octagon.
Other Brazilian Fighters on the Card
In addition to Burns, three other Brazilian fighters will compete at the same event:
- Márcio Barbosa: Debuting against Dennis Buzukja in the featherweight division (up to 66 kg).
- Thiago Moisés: Facing Gauge Young in the lightweight division (up to 70 kg).
- Karine Silva: Competing against Jasmine Jasudavicius in the women’s flyweight division (up to 57 kg).
Fight Card Overview
The fight card for UFC Fight Night features:
| Preliminary Card (starting at 6 PM) | Main Card (starting at 9 PM) |
|---|---|
| Jamie Siraj (CAN) vs. John Yannis (USA) – Bantamweight | Thiago Moisés (BRA) vs. Gauge Young (USA) – Lightweight |
| John Castaneda (USA) vs. Mark Vologdin (RUS) – Combined Weight | Jasmine Jasudavicius (CAN) vs. Karine Silva (BRA) – Women’s Flyweight |
| JJ Aldrich (USA) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (CAN) – Women’s Flyweight | Mandel Nallo (CAN) vs. Jai Herbert (ENG) – Lightweight |
| Melissa Croden (CAN) vs. Daria Zhelezniakova (RUS) – Women’s Bantamweight | Kyler Phillips (USA) vs. Charles Jourdain (CAN) – Bantamweight |
| Tanner Boser (CAN) vs. Gokhan Saricam (TUR) – Heavyweight | Main Event: Gilbert Burns (BRA) vs. Mike Malott (CAN) – Welterweight |
As the anticipation builds for this thrilling event, fans are eager to see if Gilbert Burns can turn his fortunes around against a determined Mike Malott.
