Former title challenger Gilbert Burns retires after UFC Winnipeg knockout loss – ‘No stone unturned’

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: Gilbert Burns of Brazil is consoled by his wife and kids after announcing his retirement following a loss against Mike Malott in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Canada Life Centre on April 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“Durinho” has called it a career.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns suffered a knockout loss to surging Canadian prospect Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Winnipeg last night (Sat., April 18, 2026) inside Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (watch highlights).

Moments after the defeat, Burns made it official.

He removed his gloves and left them in the center of the Octagon — the universal sign of retirement.

“Thank you, Canada. I work so hard. I worked very hard for this fight,” Burns told Paul Felder after the fight. “I know Mike was going to fight at home. He was going to bring everything. I put on a great camp. I sacrificed so much. I left no stone unturned…I couldn’t show it. Shout out to Mike Malott; he did a good job.”

“I work so hard, but I think that’s it,” Burns concluded. “I had a great career. I fought so hard. I wanted to win so bad. I think that’s it. I fought the best guys in the world — No. 1 pound-for-pound fighters, former champions. I never said no to a fight. I think that’s it, but I’m content. I fought everybody.”