Gilbert Burns retires after knockout loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg

Gilbert Burns left his gloves in the centre of the octagon after Mike Malott knocked him out in the third round of Saturday’s UFC Winnipeg main event, capping a 14-year UFC career that included 22 wins and a 2021 title shot. Burns, who turns 40 in July, absorbed his fifth straight loss when Malott cracked him with an uppercut and right hook at 2:08 of the final frame at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

Malott chipped away at Burns for two rounds before the finish, according to MMA Fighting’s live coverage. He stuffed takedowns, controlled distance, and busted Burns’ nose with repeated jabs. The third-round stoppage came after Malott floored Burns twice in quick succession, first with a combination and then with a right hook that forced the referee to wave it off.

Burns emotional as Winnipeg crowd chants his name

An emotional Burns addressed the crowd after the fight. “I work so hard. I work very hard for these fights,” he said, per MMA Fighting. “I know Mike was going to fight at home and he was going to bring everything.” The Canadian crowd interrupted him with chants of “Gilbert” before he continued, thanking the UFC brass and security staff by name. Burns exits with a 22-10 record and wins over Stephen Thompson, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley. His recent skid included losses to Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Michael Morales.

Malott told the crowd he had “18,000 new friends” after the win, according to MMA Mania. The Canadian welterweight extends his streak to four wins and is expected to crack the top 10 at 170 pounds. Fighters including Belal Muhammad, Adrian Yanez, and Derek Brunson posted tributes to Burns on social media following the announcement. Malott praised Burns in his post-fight interview, calling him “one of the greatest legends in the sport.”

Burns spent 12 years on the UFC roster and was ranked at welterweight for most of that run. He goes out having never turned down a fight, facing the best in the world until the end. Malott is set to inherit Burns’ number 11 ranking and could face a top-10 opponent next.

Photo by Ameya Sawant on Unsplash

Original reporting:

mmafighting.com — ‘Absolute legend’: Pros react to Gilbert Burns retiring after knockout loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg | MMA Fighting

mmafighting.com — Gilbert Burns retires after suffering knockout loss to Mike Malott in UFC Winnipeg main event | MMA Fighting

mmafighting.com — UFC Winnipeg live blog: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott | MMA Fighting

mmamania.com — Highlights! Malott uppercuts Burns into retirement at UFC Winnipeg | MMA Mania