Canadian welterweight star Mike Malott reflects on his devastating finish at UFC Edmonton and looks ahead to upcoming bouts.
Canadian mixed martial artist Mike Malott delivered a memorable performance at UFC Edmonton, securing a second-round knockout victory over Joaquin Buckley with a massive knee that immediately ended the main-card contest.
The victory marked a crucial rebound for the welterweight contender, who weathered early pressure from his opponent before landing the fight-ending blow that sent Buckley face-first to the canvas in front of local fans.
Speaking to the media after the event, Malott detailed the exact moment he realized the fight was over, according to information published by mmamania.
Mike Malott Details the Fight-Ending Knee
Describing the decisive sequence, Malott stated that he saw his opponent mouth guard fly out and knew immediately that the contest was all but finished before delivering a final follow-up strike to ensure the knockout.
Despite intense trash talk from Buckley during the fight week, the Canadian athlete maintained his composure and explained that external noise never impacts his calculated approach inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon.
Malott emphasized his trademark fighting style, describing himself as an intelligent, patient, and violent competitor who intends to dissect opponents regardless of any pre-fight drama or psychological gamesmanship.
Overcoming Past Defeats in the Octagon
The recent triumph extends Malott's current winning streak to five fights, helping erase the memory of his previous main-card loss against Neil Magny at UFC 297, which briefly derailed his divisional momentum.
Reflecting on that high-pressure setback, Malott acknowledged that the defeat placed his shortcomings under a global microscope, but insisted that the experience ultimately helped him grow and develop as a more complete fighter.
He noted that nearly three years have passed since that setback, during which time he has diligently addressed and sealed the technical vulnerabilities that led to his only promotional loss.
Looking Ahead to UFC 336 in Toronto
With the organization officially scheduled to return to Toronto on January 30th for UFC 336, speculation has naturally turned toward potential high-profile matchups against elite contenders like Jack Della Maddalena, Belal Muhammad, or Michael Morales.
While refusing to single out a specific opponent, Malott confirmed his readiness to represent Canada once again, stating that he is eagerly awaiting a call from matchmakers after taking a brief period to rest.
As one of the standout financial beneficiaries of the weekend, Malott earned a substantial $100K performance bonus alongside fellow Canadian winner Nallo, cementing his status as a pillar of the region's MMA scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Mike Malott knock out at UFC Edmonton?
Mike Malott knocked out Joaquin Buckley in the second round with a massive knee during the main event at UFC Edmonton.
What did Mike Malott say about his fight-ending knee?
Malott stated that he saw his opponent mouth guard fly out and fall face first, prompting him to deliver one final follow-up strike to ensure the knockout.
What is next for Mike Malott in the UFC?
Malott is eyeing a potential return to the Octagon when the Ultimate Fighting Championship visits Toronto for UFC 336 on January 30th.
