Gilbert Burns to rely on 'wisdom' vs. Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg

Now nearing 40, Gilbert Burns has a new approach to the fight game. Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC), a long-time staple of the UFC welterweight division, is looking to fight smarter and rely on his skills. "Durinho" has been known historically for his durability and heart, often getting into wild fights with the very best the division has to offer.

That type of fighting style changes this Saturday with Burns' return to the octagon against Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 273 ( Paramount+ ), which takes place at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. "I've been changing a lot, especially this last year that I took that big layoff after the Morales fight," Burns told MMA Junkie Radio. "In the beginning, I was a car crash.

I was a guy who was going to come to see who's the hungriest, who eats the hardest (punches). And then, as I was fighting all these high-level guys, I was getting so much wisdom. All the training camps, all the studying, all the fighting, and I get to a point right now that I'm going to turn 40 in July, so I've got to use more of that wisdom instead of being a car crash.

It's going to be a lot more game plan, but the instincts have to be there. " Compared to his past opponents, it may seem like Burns is taking a step back in competition. Although 0-4 in his most recent bouts, Burns has come up short against former champions Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, and top title contenders Sean Brady and Michael Morales.