UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Malott

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott

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Mike Malott proved he belongs in the welterweight title conversation on Saturday night in Winnipeg with an impressive third-round TKO of Gilbert Burns in front of a packed Canada Life Center crowd. The UFC’s first visit to Winnipeg in nearly nine years did not disappoint.

Main Event – Mike Malott vs. Gilbert Burns

Malott received a standing ovation on his walk to the cage for his first UFC main event, and he did not let his home crowd down.

Burns never really got anything going against Malott. His overhand rights never managed to land, and his takedowns got shucked off with ease. Malott was calm and composed the whole night, picking his spots and using the uppercut beautifully.

In round two, Malott landed a big uppercut that stunned Burns and then another and another. The fight ended in round three when an uppercut landed flush, followed by a right hand and some ground and pound.

After the fight, Burns said, “I think that’s it. I had a great career. I fought so hard. I wanted to win so bad. I fought the best guys in the world pound for pound a lot of champions. I never said no to a fight. I’m content.”

Burns laid his gloves down in the center of the cage, and the crowd chanted “Gilbert” during his final speech. Twelve years in the UFC and he never ducked anyone. 

Co-Main Event – Charles Jourdain vs. Kyler Phillips

Jourdain and Phillips gave the crowd exactly what they came for. This was an all-action fight well worthy of Fight of the Night honors. Jourdain’s body work and late pressure edged out Phillips’ speed and combination punching across three rounds of non-stop action.

Jourdain fighting in his home country of Canada made the moment even better. He kept the crowd on their feet the whole fight, and the decision felt right. Phillips gave everything he had, but it just was not enough on the night.

Full Card Recap

Main Card

• Mike Malott def. Gilbert Burns — TKO (Punches), Round 3, 2:08
• Charles Jourdain def. Kyler Phillips — Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Jai Herbert def. Mandel Nallo — TKO (Punches), Round 1, 2:05
• Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Karine Silva — Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Gauge Young def. Thiago Moisés — Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Preliminary Card

• Márcio Barbosa def. Dennis Buzukja — KO (Punch), Round 1, 1:20
• Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc — Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Round 1, 2:22
• Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser — TKO (Punches), Round 2, 4:43
• Melissa Croden def. Darya Zhelezniakova — Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• JJ Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth — Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin — Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
• John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj — TKO (Punches), Round 1, 2:43

What’s Next?

Malott guaranteed himself a spot in the top 15 with that win, and a top 10 opponent should be next. He was patient, composed, and methodical all night. The welterweight division has a new name to pay attention to.

Malott said after the fight, “I’m not the kind of guy to call people out. You know me, man, I try to do it the proper way. Just trying to get better every time I pursue growth and greatness and I feel like I did a pretty good job of that tonight.” As Canadian as it gets. I love it.

Charles Jourdain earned a massive Fight of the Night performance in front of his home country. He is on a roll right now, and a top-five bantamweight opponent could be in his near future.

Jai Herbert came into hostile territory as the away fighter and left with a first-round TKO over Mandel Nallo. Big win for the lightweight veteran who looked in great shape.

Márcio Barbosa made one of the best UFC debuts of the year with that walk-off KO. One punch was all it took, and the featherweight division should be on notice.

Be sure to tune into FSM’s Main Event with Kalani Lua (@KLua11) on Franchise Sports Media for all the latest in combat sports.

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