UFC Canada has confirmed that Mike Malott will headline UFC Winnipeg on April 18, 2026, going through Brazilian veteran Gilbert Burns in a 5‑spherical welterweight most important occasion at Canada Life Centre. The occasion, initially rumored for Ottawa, has been moved to Winnipeg, marking the UFC’s first return to Manitoba’s capital since December 2017.
Mike Malott Headlines UFC Winnipeg vs. Gilbert Burns in April Principal Occasion
Mike Malott, a 34‑yr‑outdated Canadian out of Burlington, Ontario, would be the first Canadian to headline a UFC card in almost six years. He owns a 13–2 skilled document and is at the moment driving a 3‑combat win streak, most not too long ago defeating Kevin Holland by unanimous choice in October 2025. The UFC’s official profile notes that he has stopped 9 opponents within the first spherical, with 4 finishes by knockout and 6 by submission throughout his 15‑combat professional profession.
Reverse him might be Gilbert Burns, a 39‑yr‑outdated Brazilian and former title challenger, now 22–9. Burns final received a choice over Jorge Masvidal in 2023 and has since dropped 4 straight bouts, together with losses to former champions Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, plus title‑contenders Sean Brady and Michael Morales. He has been cited as a veteran trying to reset his place within the 170‑pound division, and this matchup is predicted to be his first UFC look of 2026.
This would be the third UFC occasion in Winnipeg, following UFC 161 in 2013 and the December 2017 Battle Evening headlined by Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler. The 2026 present is listed as UFC Battle Evening 273, with Canada Life Centre, previously Bell MTS Place, serving because the venue. Early experiences point out a handful of bouts tentatively connected to the cardboard, together with Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva, John Castañeda vs. Mark Vologdin, Mitch Raposo vs. Allan Nascimento, and Dong Hun Choi vs. Andre Lima, although the UFC has not finalized the total lineup.
For Malott, the project is a transparent step up in accountability. In a tweet after the announcement, he stated, “I’ve been ready for this chance my entire profession. Headlining in Canada, in entrance of our individuals, is the whole lot I’ve labored for.” These closest to him have described a coaching camp that’s centered much less on the spectacle and extra on closing the hole between a regional‑stage finisher and a UFC‑caliber most important‑occasion fighter.
Burns, in his personal feedback by staff‑launch channels, framed the combat as a reset. “I do know what I’m strolling into,” he stated. “He’s younger, he’s hungry, and he’s in his dwelling nation. However I’ve been counted out earlier than and I’m nonetheless right here. That is one other probability to show I belong on the prime.” The implication is obvious: for Malott, it’s about cementing stardom; for Burns, it’s about re‑coming into competition.
April 18 in Winnipeg shapes up as one of many extra significant Battle Evening playing cards of the 2026 schedule.
