Gilbert Burns to rely on 'wisdom' vs. Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg

Now nearing 40, Gilbert Burns has a new approach to the fight game.

Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC), a long-time staple of the UFC welterweight division, is looking to fight smarter and rely on his skills. "Durinho" has been known historically for his durability and heart, often getting into wild fights with the very best the division has to offer. That type of fighting style changes this Saturday with Burns' return to the octagon against Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 273 (Paramount+), which takes place at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

"I've been changing a lot, especially this last year that I took that big layoff after the Morales fight," Burns told MMA Junkie Radio. "In the beginning, I was a car crash. I was a guy who was going to come to see who's the hungriest, who eats the hardest (punches). And then, as I was fighting all these high-level guys, I was getting so much wisdom. All the training camps, all the studying, all the fighting, and I get to a point right now that I'm going to turn 40 in July, so I've got to use more of that wisdom instead of being a car crash. It's going to be a lot more game plan, but the instincts have to be there."

Compared to his past opponents, it may seem like Burns is taking a step back in competition. Although 0-4 in his most recent bouts, Burns has come up short against former champions Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, and top title contenders Sean Brady and Michael Morales.

Despite perhaps having an "easier fight" on paper, Burns sees Mallott as a threat not to be taken lightly.

"I think he's very well-rounded," Burns said. "People just kind of count him off, 'Oh, he never fought,' no, I think he's very good. People want to bring back that loss to Neil Magny, but Neil Magny is a freaking dog. If you don't take Neil Magny out of there, that guy freaking, I don't know what happened; he just kept coming back, and that's what he did with Mallott. I don't think that says much about Mallot, but it has more to say about Magny. I think Mike Mallott is very well-rounded, very good. I just think he's a little bit underrated. He has good striking, good grappling. He controls the pace of the fight. He controls the distance very good."

Some are beginning to wonder when Burns' final MMA bout will come, given his age and long trajectory in the sport. That day is coming in the somewhat near future, but it won't be this Saturday.

"Yeah, it's been a great journey, not easy, but a lot of big fights," Burns said, looking back at his career. "I fought for the title. So far, the career has been amazing, you know. I have no complaints. For sure, the goal was always to become the champion, but not everything happens on our way. On the other side, I was able to get out of Brazil, get my family here. We are all American citizens. We got financially, like, okay, we're good. I was able to take care of my family, to get a great career. I think so far we're doing great, you know.

"We still have a couple more fights. Not a lot more fights, but still a couple more fights ahead. But yeah, I'm very proud of my journey, of my career. I don't think in my best dreams I would've dreamt of the way it's going right now."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Winnipeg: Gilbert Burns to rely on 'wisdom' vs. Mike Malott