Mike Malott's victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC Winnipeg has reshaped the welterweight rankings, pushing Malott from unranked to No. 11. Burns announced his retirement after suffering a technical knockout, marking his fifth consecutive loss. Additionally, Colby Covington was also removed from the rankings due to inactivity and recent defeats. Malott, confident after his main event performance, expressed his openness to future matchups, including with Covington. This event highlighted the growing prominence of Canadian fighters in the UFC.

By the Numbers
  • Malott's win marked Burns' fifth consecutive loss, leading to his retirement and drop from No. 11 to unranked.
  • Colby Covington lost his No. 15 ranking after a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley in December 2024 and has a record of 1-3 since 2020.
State of Play
  • Malott now holds the No. 11 spot in the welterweight rankings following his victory over Burns.
  • Yaroslav Amosov has replaced Covington in the rankings after a successful UFC debut.
  • Four Canadians competed in the main card at UFC Winnipeg, leading to mixed results with a 4-5 overall record.
What's Next

Malott will likely continue to move up the welterweight ranks, with potential future fights against established contenders. Covington's status remains uncertain as he faces tough competition to reclaim his spot. The rising talent in the welterweight division could bring new challenges for all top fighters.

Bottom Line

Malott's ascent in the rankings underscores a shift in the welterweight division, marking the end of Gilbert Burns' era and raising questions about Covington's future. As new contenders emerge, the dynamics of this weight class are set for significant changes.