Mike Malott Knockout Over Buckley: UFC Edmonton Recap and What Is Next

Canada has a new welterweight star. The Mike Malott knockout of Joaquin Buckley in the UFC Edmonton main event on October 17 was a perfectly timed knee that turned a tense fight into a roaring home-crowd celebration. It also guarantees Malott a place in the UFC welterweight rankings top 10, and it raises a big question: who is next for one of the division’s fastest risers?

How the Mike Malott Knockout Happened

According to MMA News, Buckley came out aggressively and landed several right hooks in the opening round, while Malott preferred to circle on the outside and feel out the range. Round two brought a grappling exchange against the fence, with both men showing speed and explosiveness. Then Malott caught Buckley coming forward and landed a knee flush on the face. Buckley crumpled, and the Canadian crowd erupted. You can also see the finish on MMA Sucka’s highlight page.

Malott’s Winning Streak

The victory extends Malott to five wins in a row and an 8-1 record inside the Octagon. He entered the fight off a main event win over the retiring Gilbert Burns at UFC Winnipeg in April. Beating Buckley, a dangerous finisher with real power, is a clear step up and proves Malott can handle top-tier pressure in front of his own fans.

Other UFC Edmonton Highlights

• Jasmine Jasudavicius defeated Erin Blanchfield in the co-main event, strengthening her case for a title shot, according to MMA Sucka.
• Tanner Boser scored a TKO over Jhonata Diniz in front of his home crowd.
• Marc-Andre Barriault recovered from being rocked to stop Kyle Daukaus in round one.
• Nick Galanti won by submission in his UFC debut.

Where Does Malott Go From Here?

With a top-10 spot secured, the next question is matchmaking. The welterweight picture is busy, and Islam Makhachev sits on top after retaining his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August. Rumors suggest Makhachev may defend against Carlos Prates, while Michael Morales could face Shavkat Rakhmonov on the same night.

That night could be UFC 336. The promotion announced the card for January 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the first numbered event of 2027 and the UFC’s first visit to the city since UFC 297, per MMA News. A Canadian contender fighting on a Canadian card would make perfect business sense, though nothing is confirmed.

Why the Knee Landed So Cleanly

Malott’s patient approach deserves credit. Instead of trading in the pocket from the start, he used movement to stay on the outside and made Buckley pursue him. That choice paid off in round two, when Buckley rushed in during the scramble and ran straight into the knee. It was a reminder that fight IQ can matter as much as raw power. Malott has now beaten two dangerous, high-profile names back to back, and both wins came in front of Canadian crowds.

For the sport’s fans in Canada, the result is a major boost. The country now has a top-10 welterweight to build a card around, and the UFC has shown it is willing to return to Canadian arenas, as the announcement of UFC 336 in Toronto proves. Expect Malott’s name to come up whenever matchmakers discuss the next big home-country event.

What the Result Means for the Division

Welterweight is a deep and unpredictable weight class, and Malott’s knockout is a reminder that one clean shot can reshape the rankings overnight. Buckley remains a threat to anyone, but the loss slows his climb. For Malott, a ranked opponent in early 2027 looks like the logical next step.

Looking for the bigger schedule? Read our UFC 335 fight card and UFC 334 preview, or see why UFC fighter pay is back in the headlines. For daily results and analysis, head to OnlineUFC. One thing is clear: the Mike Malott knockout will be replayed for a long time.