Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott are locked in for a welterweight main event as they headline UFC Winnipeg at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The final faceoff between Burns and Malott went down at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins, setting the tone for a charged night in “The Great White North.” Burns addressed the Canadian crowd and was met with boos as he spoke on the mic.
“Thank you, Canada,” Burns said, before adding, “Winnipeg is very nice, I have a lot of fun, but guess what? I’m going to smash your boy tomorrow.”
Ontario’s Mike Malott will have home-country support in the headliner and made it clear what the moment means to him. “I’ve never felt so privileged in my life,” Malott said. “This is so incredible to get to represent my country in the UFC in the main event. I love you, guys. This is a dream come true, thank you so much for making my dream come to reality.”
Malott is the third Canadian to headline a UFC event in his home country, following Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald. UFC Winnipeg features nine fighters representing Canada, including Malott, Charles Jourdain, and Jasmine Jasudavicius.
