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Mike Malott on his first UFC main event: ‘I try to treat every one like it’s my last’
TL;DR
Mike Malott headlined UFC Winnipeg, becoming the third Canadian to do so, and defeated Gilbert Burns by TKO in the third round. The victory marked a significant milestone in Malott's career.
Key points
- Mike Malott headlined UFC Winnipeg
- Defeated Gilbert Burns by TKO in the third round
- Third Canadian-born fighter to headline a UFC card
- Emotional post-fight address
- Significant milestone in Malott's career
Mentioned in this story
Winnipeg
Mike MalottGilbert BurnsUFC Fight Night
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: Mike Malott prepares to face Gilbert Burns of Brazil 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)
Mike Malott made sure to embrace the moment on Saturday night.
This weekend, Malott became just the third Canadian-born fighter in history to headline a UFC card in Canada, when he main evented UFC Winnipeg against Gilbert Burns. It was a big moment for Malott, who joins Canadian MMA royalty, Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald, made even bigger by the fact that Malott earned a signature win, stopping Burns in the third round.
Afterward, Malott was emotional in the cage, and he addressed why while speaking with reporters in his post-fight press conference.
“It was incredible, man,” Malott said. “I’ve been so blessed, fighting in the UFC in general, but especially in Canada. The fans always show up for me and let me know that they enjoy what I do. These moments will be cherished by me for the rest of my life. I’m going to look back as an old man one day with a lot of really cool memories.”
Viewed as the future face of Canadian MMA for many years now, Saturday was Malott’s opportunity to make good on that title, carrying a card on Canadian soil, and the fans in attendance were on board with him, on their feet, singing along to his walkout song — “Fat Lip” by Canadian band Sum 41 — and making it a night to remember for “Proper.”
“Oh yeah, man. That was sweet,” Malott said of his walkout. “Take my time. Just make sure these milestones don’t go unappreciated. It’s my first main event. You never know how many fights you get in this sport. I try to treat every one like it’s my last. You never know what happens in life, and I’m just like, look, soak this up. Remember what this crowd feels like and looks like in this arena, smells like. Try to remember as much as you can.
Q&A
Who did Mike Malott fight in his first UFC main event?
Mike Malott fought Gilbert Burns in his first UFC main event.
What was the outcome of the fight between Mike Malott and Gilbert Burns?
Mike Malott won the fight against Gilbert Burns by TKO in the third round.
How many Canadian fighters have headlined a UFC event in Canada?
Mike Malott became the third Canadian-born fighter to headline a UFC event in Canada.
What did Mike Malott say after his victory over Gilbert Burns?
Mike Malott expressed his emotions in the cage and shared his thoughts during the post-fight press conference.