UFC Fight Night on April 18th features a compelling matchup between veteran contender Gilbert Burns and rising Canadian finisher Mike Malott. This is a classic crossroads bout: Burns brings elite experience, grappling, and five-round savvy, while Malott enters with size, momentum, and dangerous finishing ability.

From a betting perspective, the key question is whether Burns can neutralize Malott's early pressure and control grappling exchanges—or whether Malott’s physicality and striking edge can keep Burns from settling into rhythm.

Burns vs. Malott Best Bets For UFC Fight Night, Saturday, 4/18; UFC Fight Night Predictions & Picks: Saturday, April 18th

The most actionable betting angles in this matchup center around experience vs. athletic upside. Burns is typically undervalued when perceived as “older,” but his losses have largely come against elite championship-level competition. Malott, meanwhile, is still building his resume against top-tier grapplers.

 

 

 

Main Event Pick

Burns is the much more proven grappler, but he is on a massive skid in recent fights. This is a big step back for him this week and a pretty good matchup since Malott likes to use his wrestling. If this fight had taken place 3 years ago, I would have picked Burns, but I think it's too late in his career to consider him in a five-round main event.

  • Pick: Malott KO -110

Robert Valentin vs Julien Leblanc Pick

Valentin is the much better grappler in this matchup, so I’m going to take a shot on him getting his first win in the UFC.  He opened close to pick’em but has been taking the majority of bets all week.  Since I missed out on the good number for him to just win the fight, I am going to take a shot on him by submission.

  • Pick: Robert Valentin by Submission +230

Thiago Moises vs Gauge Young Pick

This fight is going to make one of these men look like they should have been -500.  If Moises gets the fight on the ground, he has submission skills to finish anyone, and at this absurd price, I will be taking a shot on him to find the submission.

  • Pick: Thiago Moises by Submission +470

How To Bet On My UFC Picks At DraftKings

To place bets on this UFC Fight Night card, choose your preferred sportsbook platform and navigate to the MMA or UFC section. From there:

  1. Search for “Burns vs Malott” 
  2. Select moneyline, props, or live betting markets 
  3. Compare odds before locking in wagers 

 

 

 

How to Watch UFC Fight Night on Paramount+, Burns vs. Malott Saturday Night

  • Prelims Start Time 5:00 ET
  • Main Card Start Time 8:00 ET