UFC Fight Night Winnipeg: Why Did Burns Call It Quits?

Winnipeg: The Canadian Filter Falls on Burns

First UFC return to Winnipeg, Manitoba’s metropolis, since 2017. Nine years of waiting, a packed Canada Life Centre, 14,051 spectators in the stands of a venue usually occupied by the NHL’s Jets. And one name on everyone’s lips: Mike Malott.

The Canadian welterweight arrives in the main event at home, before a crowd that will forgive no hesitation. Opposite him, Gilbert “Durinho” Burns. Former title challenger, black belt in jiu-jitsu, living legend of the division — but four consecutive losses behind him. That night, the Brazilian knows this Canadian city is a mandatory passage. Succeed, or disappear.

The atmosphere shifts from the walkout. The crowd pushes Malott like a Stanley Cup final train. The Canadian filter is set.

From Advantage to TKO, a Main Event in Three Acts

Round 1. Malott takes center. Precise jab, snapping uppercut, impeccable distance management. Burns tries to close the space, seeks the clinch — the Canadian moves. The Brazilian returns to his corner clearly behind in significant strikes.

Round 2. Same tune. Malott controls the tempo, varies levels, lands combinations. Durinho starts breathing heavier. No successful takedown, no grappling imposed: his main weapon remains silent. The score goes to the local fighter.

Round 3, 2 minutes 08. A sharp uppercut sends Burns to the ground. Malott follows, chains ground strikes, the referee intervenes. The Canada Life Centre erupts. TKO, Performance of the Night, and a crowd chanting his name nonstop.

Burns Puts Away the Gloves: The Exit of a Respected Fighter

Minutes after the stoppage, Gilbert Burns lays down his gloves in the center of the octagon. An age-old gesture, maximum symbolic charge. Durinho has just announced his retirement.

The Brazilian later explained he had three more fights in mind. But the verdict fell in his own head: if he can’t beat Malott, he must no longer try. Fifth consecutive loss for Durinho, who closes his UFC career with a record of 15-10, and a total of 22-10 in MMA.

We will remember the challenger who pushed Kamaru Usman to his limits in 2021. The black belt who took down dozens of opponents. And this last step, taken in Winnipeg, under the jeers of a crowd celebrating his executioner and saluting the man.

Who Else Won on the Card?

The main event drew the spotlight, but the night was packed elsewhere.

Charles Jourdain vs Kyler Phillips: Fight of the Night, and probably the most spectacular fight of the evening. The Quebecer strings together stand-up exchanges against the American striker and snatches a unanimous decision (29-28 x3). Crowd on fire for the francophone.

Jai Herbert vs Mandel Nallo: quick finish. TKO in the 1st round at 2:05 for the Brit, who repositions his name in the lightweight division.

Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Karine Silva: the Canadian flyweight continues her streak. Unanimous decision (29-28 x3) after three contested rounds.

Gauge Young vs Thiago Moisés: split decision in favor of Young, in a fight tense until the last second.

In prelims, Márcio Barbosa rocked the Canada Life Centre with a 1st round KO that earned him a Performance of the Night to share with Malott. Robert Valentin secured a clean submission, marking another highlight of the evening.