The UFC is bringing a key welterweight clash to Canada this fall. No. 9-ranked contender Joaquin Buckley will face hometown favorite Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Edmonton on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Sportsnet was first to report the matchup, which could have major implications in the welterweight rankings.
Buckley looks to snap skid and protect Top 10 spot
Buckley enters the bout searching for a much-needed victory after dropping back-to-back fights. The 21-8 welterweight was thoroughly outworked by Sean Brady at UFC 328, suffering a one-sided defeat from the opening round to the final bell. Before that, Buckley also came up short against former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Once considered one of the welterweight division’s brightest rising stars, Buckley now finds himself defending his Top 10 spot against a red-hot Canadian in hostile territory. Before stepping into the Octagon in Edmonton, he’ll first test himself in a different arena when he faces former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in a wrestling match at RAF 12.
Malott gets another chance to shine at home
Malott has built strong momentum since his upset loss to Neil Magny. The Canadian standout has won four straight fights and is coming off the biggest victory of his UFC career, stopping former title challenger Gilbert Burns by third-round knockout in his first UFC main event.
Now 7-1 inside the Octagon, the 34-year-old has emerged as one of Canada’s top UFC stars. Another main event against a ranked opponent gives him a chance to move even closer to title contention.
The UFC has also confirmed the flyweight co-main event between Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius. The matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 330 before being shifted to the Edmonton card.