Gavin Tucker’s sudden retirement and the cancellation of his fight with Doo Ho Choi removes a potential betting upset and likely shifts early money toward Choi or onto other undercard fighters. Expect sportsbook lines to tighten on main event Mike Malott in his hometown against Gilbert Burns, while value-seekers may target Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva as a live under/over or alternate-prop market.
UFC Returns to Winnipeg: Main Event and Card Overview
The UFC is set to return to Winnipeg for the first time since 2017 with a welterweight headliner pitting hometown favorite Mike Malott against former title challenger Gilbert Burns on April 18 at Canada Life Centre. The card features several Canadian fighters seeking momentum on home soil, including a top women's flyweight contender and multiple intriguing matchups across divisions.
Gavin Tucker retires, Choi fight removed from card
A featherweight matchup between Gavin Tucker and Doo Ho Choi has been pulled after Tucker elected to retire and never signed the bout contract. Tucker, who hadn’t fought since a 2023 defeat and withdrew from previous bookings, will no longer appear on the Winnipeg card. The removal trims one Canadian name from the lineup and forces the promotion to reorganize its undercard depth.
Implications for the Winnipeg card
The card still centers on Malott vs. Burns, with Malott chasing a fourth straight win and Burns aiming to reassert himself among the division’s upper tier. Other confirmed bouts provide stakes for rising prospects and established regional names looking to secure UFC footholds.
Key fights to watch
- Main Event: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva
- John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin
- Mitch Raposo vs. Allan Nascimento
- Dong Hun Choi vs. Andre Lima
- Melissa Croden vs. Darya Zheleznyakova
- Robert Valentin vs. Julien Leblanc
What this means for bettors and market movement
Tucker’s retirement reduces underdog alternatives for featherweight markets and may redirect wagers toward Choi or adjacent undercard bouts. Malott’s hometown advantage could see his odds shorten, making Burns a more valuable fade for bettors who prefer to back the veteran. The Jasudavicius–Silva matchup presents prop and total-bet opportunities after Jasudavicius’ recent KO loss. Expect early line adjustments and sharper action on fighters with local backing.
Background on key fighters
Mike Malott arrives off a multi-fight win streak and will carry significant crowd support into Winnipeg as the card’s main event attraction.
Gilbert Burns remains one of the more dangerous welterweights, blending experience and finishing ability.
Jasmine Jasudavicius seeks redemption after a knockout defeat, while Karine Silva looks to halt Jasudavicius’ climb and stake her own claim in the division.
Outlook
Winnipeg’s card still offers compelling matchups despite the late featherweight removal. Bettors should monitor opening lines and home-field influences, and consider alternate props where market movement creates value.
Gavin Tucker has reportedly retired from fighting after the UFC announced that he'd be fighting Doo Ho Choi at UFC Winnipeg.
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