'UFC Legend' Suffers TKO Loss in Retirement Bout, Endless Pounding → Could Not Rise Again "It's Over Now..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Mike Malott (34, Canada) defeated veteran Gilbert Burns (40, Brazil), securing his fourth consecutive UFC victory and moving within reach of a top-15 welterweight ranking. In contrast, Burns, who suffered a painful fifth straight loss, placed his gloves on the octagon floor, bringing an end to his 14-year fighting career.

On the 19th (Korean time), Malott defeated Burns, ranked 11th in the welterweight division, via TKO from a flurry of punches in the second minute and eight seconds of the third round at the main event of 'UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott' held at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. With this win, Malott improved his professional record to 14 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, and his UFC record to 7 wins and 1 loss, laying the foundation for a leap into the upper rankings.

Malott, who possesses superior physical attributes at 185cm, strategically utilized uppercuts from below to neutralize Burns, a grappler. Starting from the second round, Burns, who was hit hard by Malott's uppercuts, was unable to attempt his signature grappling.

Ultimately, the final blow came in the third round. Malott recorded the first knockdown with a right uppercut followed by a left hook. Although Burns struggled to regain his composure, Malott aggressively pressured him toward the cage and knocked him down again with another right hook, unleashing a barrage of punches to end the fight.

After the match, Malott showed more respect for the retiring legend than joy over his victory. He shouted to the crowd, "Please give a round of applause to Burns, one of the great legends of this sport." He added, "He is a true gentleman and warrior both inside and outside the cage, and I hold him in infinite respect."

Regarding the decisive uppercut, Malott calmly explained, "I thought I could land it, but I always choose preparation over prediction. I simply sharpened all my weapons and determined what was needed in the heat of battle." When asked about his future plans, he held back, saying only, "Rather than provoking anyone, I will continue to pursue growth and greatness in every moment."

Burns, who declared his retirement with tears in his eyes, said, "I prepared very hard and had an excellent camp, but I couldn't show it in the result." Taking off his gloves and placing them on the floor, he added, "It's over now. It was a great career competing against the world's best fighters, and I am satisfied with this."

A former world jiu-jitsu champion, Burns entered mixed martial arts in 2012 and recorded a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses over 14 years. In 2021, he challenged for the welterweight championship title, establishing himself as one of the top fighters in his weight class.

As Burns left the octagon, UFC President Dana White paid his final tribute, saying, "Burns was a tough fighter and a great human being. I pay my respects to the performance shown by Burns, whom I truly admire."

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*This content was translated by AI.