UFC Winnipeg preview and predictions: Is this the end of the road for Gilbert Burns?

It's been nearly a decade since Robbie Lawler and Rafael dos Anjos collided in a clash of former champions atop the UFC's most recent trip to Winnipeg, Canada. For the promotion's return this Saturday, the welterweight division once again occupies the spotlight. This year's event heavily contrasts with 2017's main event.

On one side, 39-year-old one-time title challenger Gilbert Burns clings to relevancy after losing four straight against the cream of the crop at 170 pounds. Burns' résumé and experience have turned him into the perfect litmus test for future contenders, setting the stage for Canada's Mike Malott to prove himself in his first UFC main event. Sprinkles of national flavor can be found through the overall offering of UFC Winnipeg, but similar to the recent UFC Vegas 115 event, this card is in dire straits.

UFC has essentially taken a Meta Apex event and shoved it up north to the Canada Life Center, coming nowhere near selling out the venue's 17,000-capacity. 👑 UFC Winnipeg’s lineup Crown grade: F-. 👑 Betting odds via BetMGM .

Mike Malott remains the best hope to become Canada's next MMA hero. Jordan Jones via Getty Images 170 pounds: Gilbert Burns (+275) vs. Mike Malott (-350) Pressure rides relatively heavily on Malott in his second straight bout on home soil.