Mike Malott picked up the biggest win of his career with a third-round knockout over Gilbert Burns, who announced his retirement following the conclusion of the UFC Winnipeg main event.
It was a patient yet impressive performance from Malott, who picked his shots throughout the fight as he methodically chipped away at Burns through the first two rounds. When he finally saw his opening, Malott cracked Burns with a slick combination that put the Brazilian down.
From there, Malott just went after Burns
before landing another devastating right hook scored a vicious knockdown. The assault continued until the referee stopped the at 2:08 in the third round with Malott getting the victory.
“I’m on top of the world right now,” Malott said after his win. “Let’s give it up to one of the greatest legends in the sport … a true MMA legend [in Gilbert Burns].
“I thought that it could be some success with the uppercut. We sharpen every weapon. This guy’s got a chin. I’m not going to get arrogant. I’m absolutely elated right now.”
Following the conclusion of the fight, Burns immediately removed his gloves to lay down in the center of the octagon before emotionally announcing that this would serve as his final appearance in the octagon.
“I work so hard. I worked very hard for this fight,” Burns said. “I know Mike was going to fight at home. He was going to bring everything. I put on a great camp. I left no stone unturned. I couldn’t show it. Shout out to Mike Malott. I work so hard.
“I think that’s it. I had a great career. I fought so hard. I want to win so bad. I think that’s it. I fought the best guys in the world. I think that’s it. But I’m content.”
If this truly is the end for Burns, he retires after spending the past 12 years in the UFC where he was a ranked welterweight for much of his career including a title shot in 2021. He walks away with a 22-10 record overall.
Prior to the knockout, Malott was quick to establish his striking in the early exchanges as he cracked Burns with several stiff shots as the Brazilian tried to set up a potential takedown. Burns was still winging a huge overhand right looking for the knockout but Malott was answering him with a stiff jab right down the middle.
Following a one-minute break between rounds, Burns came out and snapped off a couple of nasty leg kicks after his coaches advised him to avoid those big, looping overhands. Moments later, Malott started to find a home for his right hand and he popped Burns with a couple of stiff shots in succession.
That led to more aggression from Malott as he was really starting to unload with his combinations with hopes of scoring the knockout in front of a home audience. Burns was showing the damage on his face with some cuts under both eyes as he tried to find a way to turn things around after a tough start.
As time passed, Burns was still trying for a takedown but he continued to come up short as Malott just blocked him at every turn.
Malott finally scored his first knockdown in the third round after he blasted Burns with a nasty uppercut followed by a left hook that rattled the one-time welterweight title challenger. Smelling blood in the water, Malott just continued his attack until he put Burns down again with a vicious right hook.
From there, Malott unleashed a barrage of punches until the referee saw enough to rescue Burns from further harm. The finish puts Malott on a four-fight win streak as he takes another step forward in a deep and dangerous welterweight division.
