Gilbert Burns announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts after losing to Mike Malott via third-round TKO [1, 3].
The retirement marks the end of a high-profile career for Burns, who struggled to find momentum in the final chapter of his fighting tenure. This result leaves Malott positioned to climb the welterweight rankings while removing a seasoned veteran from the division's active roster.
The bout took place on April 18, 2026 [1, 2], at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada [2, 3]. The fight concluded in the third round [3] when Malott secured the victory by technical knockout [1].
Burns entered the contest in a precarious position. He had suffered four consecutive losses leading up to the event [4, 5]. According to reports, Burns said he was "against the wall" heading into the matchup [4, 5].
Malott used the victory to establish himself as a contender in the welterweight division [4, 5]. The stoppage victory over a name as recognizable as Burns provides significant momentum for Malott as he seeks a higher ranking within the UFC.
Following the conclusion of the fight, Burns said he would no longer compete in professional MMA [1]. He did not provide further details regarding his immediate plans beyond the retirement announcement.
“Gilbert Burns announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts”
The retirement of Gilbert Burns signals a changing of the guard in the UFC welterweight division. By defeating a veteran who had already struggled through a four-fight losing streak, Mike Malott has validated his potential as a top-tier contender. Burns' decision to step away suggests a recognition that his competitive peak had passed, preventing further physical decline after a series of difficult losses.
