Durinho celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
A long-time member of the top-15 welterweights (up to 77,1 kg), Gilbert Durinho is at the most delicate moment of his career and worries fans about his future in MMA. This Saturday (18), the Brazilian, who comes from four consecutive defeats, will headline UFC Winnipeg, in Canada, and will face Mike Malott , a local athlete. Therefore, to avoid any possibility of being cut from the company or retiring, the veteran needs to win in hostile territory.
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Burns arrives for this new and decisive fight in his career after suffering consecutive defeats to Belal Muhammad , Jack Della Maddalena , Sean Brady , and Michael Morales . On the other hand, the Canadian is riding a three-fight winning streak and dreams of solidifying his place in the top 15 of the welterweight division. And it's not just their professional form that sets them apart. The Brazilian's 39 years represent an advanced age to compete compared to Malott, who is 34. Furthermore, the former title challenger, being more experienced than his opponent, has already accumulated considerable damage, unlike Malott, who exposes himself less in combat.
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In any case, Durinho guarantees that, despite his poor form and the disadvantages listed, he is capable not only of beating Malott, but also of returning to the top 5 of the welterweight division. Currently, the Brazilian is ranked 11th. Furthermore, the experienced athlete believes his fighting style complements the Canadian's and is excited to get into action, even though bookmakers consider him the underdog. It's true that the favorite 'Proper' is seen by many as the country's top MMA fighter today, but he hasn't yet convinced in the UFC and, compared to the opponents Gilbert has faced recently, he's not at the same level.
Therefore, for Durinho to get back on the winning track, he'll have to start strong and dictate the action, since the Canadian usually begins his fights by studying his opponents. In striking, the Brazilian is more powerful, while Malott relies on volume of strikes. In grappling, the veteran is a jiu-jitsu specialist, but his opponent is no pushover and is consistent in all areas. 'Proper' has good takedown defense and relies on his physicality to win. Therefore, being smaller and older, Gilbert will have to manage his energy to avoid tiring himself out and avoid Mike's clinch and cage game. In theory, the duel is complicated, but it's the most winnable for the current version of the fighter from Niterói.
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Full card for UFC Winnipeg
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Kyler Phillips vs. Charles Jourdain
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mandel Nallo x Jai Herbert
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Thiago Moisés x Gauge Young
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Dennis Buzukja vs. Marcio Ticotô
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Julien Leblanc x Robert Valentin
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Tanner Boser x Gokhan Saricam
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Melissa Croden x Daria Zhelezniakova
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Mitch Raposo vs. Allan Puro Osso – fight cancelled
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): JJ Aldrich x Jamey-Lyn Horth
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): John Castañeda vs. Mark Vologdin
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Jamie Siraj x John Yannis
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