Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott: UFC Fight Night Winnipeg Odds, Prediction

Octagon action returns to Winnipeg for the first time in eight years on Saturday night, when Burlington, Ontario’s Mike Malott puts a three-fight win streak on the line when he takes on struggling veteran welterweight Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Fight Night 273 at Canada Life Centre.

Malott outlasted Kevin Holland to claim a unanimous decision win in their three-round matchup at UFC Vancouver last October, and has now seen two of his three recent victories coming by decision.

A former challenger for the UFC welterweight title, Gilbert Burns has fallen upon hard times, suffering four straight defeats, capped by a crushing first-round TKO loss to Michael Morales in his last outing at UFC Vegas 106 in May 2025.

Malott has emerged as a heavy -303 favourite on the UFC Fight Night odds. Burns trails as a lengthy +240 underdog, and the odds of this fight going a full five rounds are set at +320.

Gilbert Burns UFC Odds

Gilbert Burns will be desperate to avoid extending his career-worst losing streak to five fights and possibly tumbling out of the UFC welterweight rankings when he steps into the octagon for Saturday night’s main event.

It has now been over three years since the 39-year-old Brazilian last earned a win, with two of his four recent defeats coming by knockout, dropping his record to 3-6 since his failed bid for the UFC welterweight strap ended with a third-round KO loss at the hands of Kamaru Usman.

But righting the ship against Malott will be a challenge. Yes, Burns has amassed extensive experience facing top-five fighters and brings a superior grappling game to the octagon. In addition, Burns enjoys plenty of experience fighting in championship rounds, which could give him an edge if this fight evolves into a marathon.

But if his past outings are any indication, time may be catching up with Burns. Indeed, he will be eager to change levels as soon as possible while avoiding the hard striking Malott, who has seen nine of his 13 career wins come inside five minutes.

Mike Malott UFC Odds

Mike Malott will be eyeing a breakthrough into the UFC welterweight rankings with a fourth straight win on Saturday, and why not.

Malott has not looked out of place during his win streak, and came within 15 seconds of going the distance against Neil Magny in his most recent defeat in January 2024.

In addition to his punching power, Malott is also a constant tap-out threat, with six of his career victories coming by submission including five tap-out wins in the first round. .

UFC Fight Night 273 Prediction: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott

While there may be plenty of UFC betting fans hoping for Burns to rekindle his fading career, that is unlikely to come on Saturday night against a younger, faster, and stronger opponent in Malott, who has demonstrated his ability to quickly finish opponents, both with his fists and on the mat.

Prediction: Malott by KO, TKO, or DQ (-150).