Mike Malott was all class following his UFC Winnipeg victory over Gilbert Burns, who has announced his retirement.
Malott and Burns shared the Octagon inside Canada Life Centre this past Saturday. Malott sent the Canadian crowd home happy after scoring a third-round TKO victory. It ended up being a bittersweet moment in Winnipeg, as Burns revealed that he’s hanging up his gloves after suffering his fifth loss in a row.
Speaking to media members during the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference, Malott reflected on “Durinho’s” career fondly (via MMAJunkie).
“It was a true honor to share the Octagon with him,” Malott said. “He has had some of the most badass performances and fights in UFC history. He’s a gentleman outside of the octagon. Nothing but the utmost respect to that guy.”
Malott admitted that his fight camp going into the Winnipeg event wasn’t easy. Through it all, “Proper’ gutted things out and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor.
“That was without a doubt the most grueling camp I’ve had in the UFC so far. It was wave after wave of fresh opponent on me and shark tanks and a lot of driving in the gym, sitting in the parking lot for three minutes just like, ‘Goddammit, what am I going to go through today? This is going to suck.’ But just knowing like, ‘Hey man, this might be what you need to do to feel your best on April 18.’ That’s what’s most important and what paid off.”
As far as what’s next for Malott, who will see a number next to his name in the official UFC welterweight rankings, he isn’t concerned about the opponent. He told reporters that he will fight whoever the UFC brass has lined up for him.
Who would you book Mike Malott against following his finish over Gilbert Burns? Join in on the conversation below.
