The UFC is set to make a highly anticipated return to Manitoba as a pivotal welterweight contender bout headlines UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott. Former title challenger Gilbert Burns squares off with fast-rising Canadian standout Mike Malott in a matchup that could reshape the division’s Top 15.
The event takes place Saturday, April 18 at Canada Life Centre, bringing elite MMA action back to Winnipeg fans hungry for high-stakes competition.
Main Event: Welterweight Stakes at an All-Time High
Burns (22-9), fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida by way of Rio de Janeiro, enters 2026 looking to reassert himself among the world’s elite. The Brazilian veteran has built a résumé filled with statement victories over Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson, and former champion Tyron Woodley. Known for his explosive power and world-class grappling, Burns aims to derail Malott’s surge and remind the division why he remains a perennial threat.
Malott (13-2-1), representing Fonthill, Ontario, steps into his first UFC main event with momentum and the backing of a home-country crowd. A dangerous finisher, Malott has delivered crowd-pleasing wins over Kevin Holland, Charles Radke, and Adam Fugitt. A victory over Burns would catapult him into the welterweight Top 15 and firmly establish him as a new force at 170 pounds.
Featured Bout: Flyweight Rankings on the Line
The co-feature showcases a compelling flyweight clash as No. 6-ranked Jasmine Jasudavicius meets No. 9-ranked Karine Silva.
Niagara native Jasudavicius (14-4) looks to shine on Canadian soil after memorable finishes against Jessica Andrade, Ariane da Silva, and Priscila Cachoeira. With the Top 5 within reach, a dominant performance could earn her the biggest opportunity of her career.
Silva (19-6), fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil, brings elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu credentials and a proven submission game. Wins over Maryna Moroz, Ketlen Souza, and Poliana Botelho have fueled her rise, and she now seeks to spoil the homecoming by climbing further up the 125-pound ladder.
Broadcast and Ticket Information
The main card airs live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, with prelims beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Early prelims stream on UFC Fight Pass at 5 p.m. ET.
Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.ca, with presale opportunities available for UFC Fight Club members and newsletter subscribers. Fans can also register interest at UFC.com/Winnipeg.
Additional Bouts Announced
The stacked card also features:
- Julien Leblanc vs. Robert Valentin (Middleweight)
- Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam (Heavyweight)
- Melissa Croden vs. Daria Zhelezniakova (Bantamweight)
- Donghun Choi vs. Andre Lima (Flyweight, battle of unbeatens)
- Mitch Raposo vs. Allan Nascimento (Flyweight)
- John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin (Bantamweight)
With divisional implications, hometown heroes, and rising contenders throughout the lineup, UFC’s return to Winnipeg promises a night of meaningful and memorable action inside the Octagon®.
