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UFC Winnipeg Fight Night: Burns vs Malott Set for April 18 | MMA NewsFebruary 20, 2026Feb 20, 2026•Mike Reichlin
The UFC has officially announced its return to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with a welterweight main event pitting Gilbert Burns against Mike Malott.
The event, a UFC Fight Night card in Winnipeg, takes place on Saturday, April 18 from the . The announcement marks the promotion’s first visit to Manitoba since December 2017, when the UFC last held an event in the Canadian province.
February 20, 2026Feb 20, 2026•Mike Reichlin
The UFC has officially announced its return to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with a welterweight main event pitting Gilbert Burns against Mike Malott.
The event, a UFC Fight Night card in Winnipeg, takes place on Saturday, April 18 from the . The announcement marks the promotion’s first visit to Manitoba since December 2017, when the UFC last held an event in the Canadian province.
Canada Life Centre
The scoop was first reported by veteran MMA reporter Adam Martin yesterday, and confirmed this afternoon.
Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) is currently on the longest losing skid of his career at four straight defeats. The 39-year-old former title challenger was most recently stopped by Michael Morales in the first round at UFC Vegas 106 in May 2025. Despite the rough stretch, all four of Burns’ losses have come against ranked opposition in Morales, Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Belal Muhammad. “Durinho” hasn’t tasted victory since a decision win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287 in April 2023.
The matchup represents a classic crossroads bout. Burns brings elite experience as a former welterweight title challenger and decorated BJJ world champion, while Malott looks to use a victory over a big name to break into the upper tier of the 170-pound division. Headlining in front of a Canadian crowd adds another layer for Malott, who has thrived in previous outings on home soil.
Additional bouts for the UFC Winnipeg card are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Canada Life Centre
The scoop was first reported by veteran MMA reporter Adam Martin yesterday, and confirmed this afternoon.
Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) is currently on the longest losing skid of his career at four straight defeats. The 39-year-old former title challenger was most recently stopped by Michael Morales in the first round at UFC Vegas 106 in May 2025. Despite the rough stretch, all four of Burns’ losses have come against ranked opposition in Morales, Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Belal Muhammad. “Durinho” hasn’t tasted victory since a decision win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287 in April 2023.
The matchup represents a classic crossroads bout. Burns brings elite experience as a former welterweight title challenger and decorated BJJ world champion, while Malott looks to use a victory over a big name to break into the upper tier of the 170-pound division. Headlining in front of a Canadian crowd adds another layer for Malott, who has thrived in previous outings on home soil.
Additional bouts for the UFC Winnipeg card are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.