Tonight’s UFC Edmonton event was headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight showdown between Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott.
Buckley (21-9 MMA) had entered this evening’s main event with hopes of snapping a two-fight losing skid. ‘New Mansa’ was coming off back-to-back unanimous decision losses to Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman in his most previous Octagon appearances. Prior to those setbacks, Buckley had strung together six straight wins, an impressive stretch which included stoppage wins over Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson.
Meanwhile, Mike Malott (15-2-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since retiring Gilbert Burns with a third-round TKO victory at UFC Winnipeg this past April. ‘Proper’ had entered tonight’s marquee bout sporting a four-fight winning streak, a stretch which included Octagon victories over Kevin Holland and Charles Radtke.
Tonight’s UFC Edmonton welterweight headliner proved to be a coming out party for the home country favorite in Mike Malott. ‘Proper’ was able to get the better of Joaquin Buckley in a seemingly close opening round before turning things up a notch in round two. After landing a number of good kicks and punches, Malott through a kick that landed flush to the head of Buckley and sent the American crashing to the canvas. After a follow up shot, ‘New Mansa’ was out cold and the referee quickly jumped in to stop the contest. It was a massive win for Malott who vaults into the promotion’s top ten at welterweight.
Official UFC Edmonton Results: Mike Malott def. Joaquin Buckley via KO (head kick) at 2:32 of Round 2
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Buckley vs. Malott’ below:
Sean Strickland is picking Mike Malott to beat Joaquin Buckley tonight:
“It’s not because Buckley’s black. Maybe a little bit. Malott all day. Buckley can’t fight. The guys like a f*cking turtle.”
(via @SStricklandMMA) https://t.co/YdmZcxqwTb
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 17, 2026
We are in Mike Malott’s corner 👊
Ducks forward Jeff Malott’s brother is “Proper” Mike Malott. He fights tonight in @ufc Edmonton Fight Night against Joaquin Buckley!
You can watch on Paramount+, ESPN+, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. https://t.co/eid8m3RrAc
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 18, 2026
I didn’t realize he trained with Sayif Saud this camp maybe he has plan
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 18, 2026
Malott is fighting very intelligently and using his kicks to take round one.
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) October 18, 2026
Buckley is better when he isn’t being patient he needs to get wild
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 18, 2026
Post-fight reactions to Mike Malott defeating Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton:
Wow what a finish by @Michael_Malott 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 statement #UFCEdmonton
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 18, 2026
Omg 😳 #UFCEdmonton
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) October 18, 2026
We are sick for loving this sport. Praying for Buckley
— Kai Kamaka III (@kaiboikamaka) October 18, 2026
That was the first time that Buckley has been finished at welterweight
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 18, 2026
@ufc @Michael_Malott Beauty of a finish
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) October 18, 2026
Who would you like to see Malott fight next following his knockout victory over Buckley this evening in Alberta? Share your thoughts in the comment section Penn Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
