Mike Malott focused on first UFC main event, disregards other callouts

Mike Malott gets to realize a dream on Canadian soil at UFC Fight Night 273 , and won't allow himself to think of anything else beyond Saturday's event. It will be the first headliner for Malott (13-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) under the UFC banner. Standing on the other side of the octagon will be former title challenger Gilbert Burns, who has been on a rough stretch as of late.

Despite riding a four-fight skid, Malott is anticipating he will experience the best Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) to date. "I'm expecting the best version of him that we've seen yet," Malott told MMA Junkie. "I wouldn't prepare for anything less.

He's a high-level fighter, dangerous fighter. So, that was the focus throughout camp, is making sure I'm as prepared as possible, bringing in tough training partners to push me, and give me new looks, and get myself to a level, as well as I've been competing, is even a higher level. " After getting over the initial excitement of hearing the news about headlining a UFC event in Canada, Malott put his head down and went to work.

He knew adjustments had to be made in preparation for a five-round fight, especially against an opponent as skilled and experienced as "Durinho. " While Malott has been training hard to ensure he's victorious at Saturday's card, which takes place at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg ( Paramount+ ), a couple of his peers have mentioned his name as potential next opponents. Former interim champion Colby Covington said he was told he would be facing the winner between Malott and Burns, while Kevin Holland said he wants to run it back to get revenge for an October unanimous decision loss.