The UFC Fight Night card held in Winnipeg left one of the most emotional moments of the night when Gilbert Burns announced the end of his career after the main fight against Canadian Mike Malott. The Brazilian veteran, who for years was one of the most dangerous contenders in welterweight, could not avoid defeat against the local fighter and ended up falling by technical knockout in the third round.
The fight began with both fighters measuring the distance and trying to impose their pace. Burns tried to use his experience and grappling to control the early stages of the fight, but Malott gradually found his moment with increasingly precise punches in the exchanges.
As the rounds went by, the Canadian began to connect more and more clearly. In the third round he finally found the combination that changed the fight, knocking Burns down with a series of punches before finishing him off with ground and pound until the referee decided to stop the fight.
After the fight, Burns left his gloves in the center of the octagon, a traditional gesture that usually symbolizes the retirement of a fighter. The Brazilian was applauded by the audience as he said goodbye after a long career in the UFC.
During his time in the organization, Burns established himself as one of the most respected fighters in the welterweight league. He went on to fight for the division belt and starred in well-remembered fights against some of the biggest names in the division.
The victory, meanwhile, is the biggest win in Mike Malott's career. The Canadian successfully defended his territory against a top-level veteran and took an important step to continue climbing positions within the division.
The night in Winnipeg ended with a moment full of emotion: the rise of a new name in the division and the farewell of one of the toughest competitors that welterweight has had in recent years.