The Octagon® is set to make its long-awaited return to Winnipeg, delivering a high-stakes welterweight clash as No. 12 ranked contender Gilbert Burns squares off against Canadian standout Mike Malott in a compelling main event. Fans can expect fireworks when UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BURNS vs. MALOTT takes place on Saturday, April 18, live from Canada Life Centre.
The main card will air live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, preceded by the prelims at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Early prelims will stream exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS beginning at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.
Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BURNS vs. MALOTT go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. CT and will be available via Ticketmaster.ca, with a limit of eight tickets per person. UFC Fight Club® members will receive early access on Wednesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. CT, followed by a special internet pre-sale for UFC newsletter subscribers on Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CT. Fans eager to be part of the action can also register their interest now at UFC.com/Winnipeg.
Burns (22-9), fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, looks to kick off his 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion. A former welterweight title challenger, Burns has built a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous veterans, earning memorable victories over Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson, and Tyron Woodley. With his blend of elite grappling and knockout power, Burns aims to halt Malott’s rise and reassert himself among the world’s best at 170 pounds.
Standing across from him will be Malott (13-2-1), fighting out of Fonthill, Ontario, who enters his first UFC main event opportunity with momentum and confidence. Known as a ruthless finisher, Malott has delivered statement wins over Kevin Holland, Charles Radke, and Adam Fugitt. Competing on home soil, the Canadian plans to seize the moment by breaking into the welterweight Top 15 with a signature performance against one of the division’s most accomplished names.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BURNS vs. MALOTT will mark the third UFC event in Winnipeg. Since debuting in Canada with UFC 83 in 2008, the promotion has staged 36 premier events across 11 Canadian cities, underscoring the country’s deep-rooted passion for mixed martial arts.
Additional bout announcements are expected in the coming weeks. For the latest updates and event information, visit UFC.com.
