Ali Akbar Rosady
Winnipeg, Canada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the Canada Life Centre this Saturday, April 18, for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott, featuring a pivotal welterweight clash in the main event. Eleventh-ranked Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-7 UFC) will endeavor to halt a four-bout losing streak as he squares off against the surging Canadian contender Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC). The six-bout main card is scheduled to commence at approximately 8 p.m. ET, with live coverage available exclusively on Paramount+.
The main event presents a clash of narratives: Burns, a seasoned veteran grappling with recent setbacks, against Malott, a rapidly rising prospect enjoying a significant wave of momentum. Malott, competing on home soil, enters the bout following a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland at UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen in October. Conversely, Burns’ most recent octagon appearance resulted in a knockout loss to Michael Morales last May at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales, marking a challenging period in his otherwise distinguished career.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Mike Malott has been established as a considerable favorite, currently listed at -270. Gilbert Burns, the veteran, stands as the underdog at +220. This disparity in the betting lines reflects Malott’s recent form and the perceived struggles of Burns. The co-main event will feature a bantamweight contest between Kyler Phillips (+114) and Charles Jourdain (-135), promising another intriguing matchup on the card.
Gilbert Burns: The Veteran’s Challenge
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At 39 years old, Gilbert Burns, affectionately known as "Durinho," faces a critical juncture in his career. Despite the recent "four-bout losing streak" referenced by the event organizers, Burns’ overall record of 22-9 underscores a career marked by significant success and high-level competition. His fighting arsenal is well-rounded, boasting six victories by knockout, nine by submission, and seven by decision, demonstrating his versatility across all facets of mixed martial arts.
Burns’ accolades extend beyond the standard win-loss column. Throughout his UFC tenure, he has earned four Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award, recognized for his exciting and high-impact performances. In 2022, he was also honored with the President’s Choice Fight of the Year. A standout achievement in his UFC career includes registering the third-most armbar submission wins in the promotion’s history, with three.
Prior to his MMA career, Burns established himself as an elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. A black belt in the discipline, his grappling pedigree is undeniable, highlighted by numerous prestigious titles. He was the IBJJF World Champion in 2011, the IBJJF World No-Gi Champion in 2013, the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Champion in 2010, and the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion in 2010. This foundational grappling skill has been a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to control opponents on the mat and secure submissions against formidable adversaries. However, in recent fights, including his most recent loss to Michael Morales, Burns has faced opponents capable of negating his ground game or capitalizing on his striking exchanges. A victory against Malott is imperative for Burns to maintain his standing in the welterweight division and potentially re-enter the conversation for top-tier matchups.
Mike Malott: The Rising Canadian Force
Mike Malott, 34, represents a new wave of talent making significant strides in the welterweight division. Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Malott will undoubtedly benefit from the fervent support of a home crowd in Winnipeg. His professional record stands at an impressive 13-2-1, featuring five knockouts, six submissions, and two decision victories, along with one draw. This diverse finishing ability speaks to his well-rounded offensive capabilities.
Malott’s path to the UFC was paved through a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series 42 in October 2021, where he secured a submission victory over Shimon Smotritsky. Upon entering the UFC, he made an immediate impact, notably knocking out Mickey Gall at 3:41 of the first round at UFC 273. Since his promotional debut, Malott has compiled an impressive record of six wins in seven fights, including victories in each of his last three contests, signaling a strong upward trajectory.
Like Burns, Malott has also been recognized for his captivating performances, earning two Performance of the Night awards within the UFC. His pre-UFC career included an Xcessive Force Fighting Championship title, further cementing his reputation as a dominant force in regional circuits. Beyond his personal achievements, Malott also comes from an athletic family; his younger brother, Jeff Malott, currently plays for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, adding another layer to the family’s sporting prowess. Malott’s recent string of victories, particularly his win over Kevin Holland, has elevated his profile significantly, positioning him as a legitimate threat within the welterweight division. A win over a ranked veteran like Burns would be a crucial step towards breaking into the top 15 himself.
Expert Analysis and Betting Insights
For those seeking informed betting advice, SportsLine expert Kyle Marley has provided his comprehensive MMA predictions and betting advice for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott. Marley, a seasoned MMA analyst, has demonstrated a remarkable track record over the past three-plus years, with $100 bettors who have followed his picks reportedly up nearly $10,000. Since May 2018, his total returns have exceeded $21,000. Marley’s consistent success for SportsLine members includes hitting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s brief pandemic-induced pause, and a 10-1 record on his picks at the most recent UFC card.
Marley has meticulously analyzed the main event between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott from multiple angles, in addition to scrutinizing the entire fight card. While his full slate of picks for the main event and other matchups remains exclusive to SportsLine members, he has publicly backed Daria Zhelezniakova to secure a split decision victory in a women’s bantamweight preliminary card bout. Regarding this particular pick, Marley stated, "This looks like a close fight anywhere the fight goes. I could see either fighter landing a takedown or two, but I expect this to play out on the feet mainly. The line looks too wide to me, so give me the underdog." This rationale highlights Marley’s approach of identifying value in the betting market, particularly with underdogs in tightly contested matchups.
Marley’s additional strong picks for the UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott card reportedly include backing a fighter described as "the more proven vet" to achieve a significant victory, with further details available exclusively through SportsLine.
The Full Fight Card and Odds
The main card for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott features several other compelling matchups alongside the headliner and co-main event. All odds are sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change leading up to fight night:
- Gilbert Burns (+220) vs. Mike Malott (-270)
- Kyler Phillips (+114) vs. Charles Jourdain (-135)
- Mandel Nallo (-180) vs. Jai Herbert (+150)
- Jasmine Jasudavicius (-298) vs. Karine Silva (+240)
- Thiago Moises (+114) vs. Gauge Young (-135)
- Dennis Buzukja (+350) vs. Marcio Barbosa (-455)
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott represents a crucial event for several fighters looking to either rebound from recent losses or capitalize on winning streaks to climb their respective divisional rankings. The main event, in particular, carries significant implications for the welterweight division, with Malott aiming to break into the elite and Burns fighting to maintain his position among the top contenders.
Fans interested in streaming all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights live can subscribe to Paramount+, with plans starting at $8.99 per month. For those new to sports betting, DraftKings offers various promotional codes and offers, and Kalshi also provides opportunities for sports trading. Further detailed picks and analysis from Kyle Marley, including his predictions for Burns vs. Malott, can be accessed by visiting SportsLine.
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