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UFC Fight Night predictions: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott fight card, odds and expert picks for Winnipeg
TL;DR
Gilbert Burns faces Mike Malott at UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg, marking a crucial fight for both. Burns, on a four-fight losing streak, aims to avoid retirement, while Malott seeks to become Canada's next UFC champion.
Key points
- Gilbert Burns faces Mike Malott at UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg
- Burns is on a four-fight losing streak
- Malott aims to become Canada's next UFC champion
- Burns considered retirement after his last knockout loss
- The event is scheduled for Saturday
Mentioned in this story
Winnipeg
Gilbert BurnsMike MalottUFC Fight Night
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It's been nearly a decade since Canada has had a UFC champion. Mike Malott has work to do, but he takes an important step toward holding the same title as Georges St-Pierre by beating Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night on Saturday live from Winnipeg.
Burns' career might be in jeopardy. The one-time welterweight title challenger considered retiring after a quick knockout loss to Michael Morales. It was his fourth consecutive loss, something most fighters don't recover from. Upon further inspection, Burns reconsidered. The concussion and the Joanna Jedrzejczyk-like hematoma Morales gave him made him reassess if his heart was the issue. Furthermore, his losing streak is to fighters currently ranked in the top six, including two recent champions and one top contender.
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Rebuilding his confidence is at the epicenter of Burns' game plan. He took the second-longest lay-off of his career to gameplan. He's met with sports psychologists, conferred with coaches, and refined his training in the necessary ways for a man pushing 40. With his confidence restored, Burns plans to spoil Malott's big homecoming. However, losing to an unranked fighter would raise serious questions about why "Durinho" keeps fighting.
"Half of me thought that I quit in that fight with Morales. I got to rewatch it. I had the concussion and realized that I didn't quit," Burns told CBS Sports. "...I know I can do it, but we need a plan. The Morales fight was crucial to coming back. I had to think about it. After that moment, and a little time off, I can still do it. I need to plan better and relax."
Malott is becoming an important fixture up north. He makes his sixth consecutive appearance in Canada and gets his first main event slot. UFC clearly sees him as a potential player, and beating Burns is his ticket to the welterweight elite.
Q&A
What is the fight card for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott?
The fight card includes Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott as the main event, along with several other matchups yet to be detailed.
What are the betting odds for Burns vs. Malott?
The betting odds for the fight have not been specified in the excerpt but are typically available on various sports betting platforms.
Why is Gilbert Burns' fight against Mike Malott significant?
This fight is significant for Burns as he faces potential retirement after a four-fight losing streak, while Malott aims to become the next Canadian UFC champion.
When is UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott taking place?
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott is scheduled for Saturday, with the event taking place live from Winnipeg.