The UFC is officially returning to Winnipeg in a big way, with UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott set for April 18, 2026, at Canada Life Centre. This marks the promotion’s long-awaited return to the city after nearly a decade, and fans can expect a stacked card headlined by a massive welterweight clash featuring Canada’s own rising star Mike Malott taking on former title challenger Gilbert Burns.
The main event is already generating buzz, as Malott looks to cement himself as one of Canada’s top contenders, while Burns enters the fight with everything on the line in what could be a defining moment in his career. Alongside the headline bout, the card features a strong mix of Canadian talent and international fighters, making this one of the most anticipated MMA events Winnipeg has seen in years.
Here’s the latest confirmed fight card for UFC Winnipeg 2026 (subject to change):
- Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott – Welterweight (Main Event)
- JJ Aldrich vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth – Women’s Flyweight
- Julien Leblanc vs. Robert Valentin – Middleweight
- Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam – Heavyweight
- DongHun Choi vs. Andre Lima – Flyweight
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva – Women’s Flyweight
- Mitch Raposo vs. Allan Nascimento – Flyweight
- Melissa Croden vs. Daria Zheleznyakova – Women’s Bantamweight
- John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin – Bantamweight
This event also carries historical significance for Winnipeg. The last time the UFC came to the city was December 2017, when UFC on FOX 26 took place at what was then Bell MTS Place. That card was headlined by Rafael dos Anjos defeating Robbie Lawler in a dominant performance. Before that, Winnipeg hosted its first-ever UFC event in 2013, showing the city has long been a proven market for major MMA events.
With nearly nine years since the last event, anticipation is already building across the city. The return of the Octagon is expected to bring a major boost to downtown activity, with fans traveling in from across Manitoba and beyond.
UFC Winnipeg 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in the city this year. Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or just looking for an electric live experience, April 18 is a date you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.
