Malott’s brutal knee ends Buckley’s skid, propels Canadian contender into title conversation

Key points

• Malott stopped Buckley at 2:23 of round 2 with a knee strike, marking his fifth consecutive victory.
• The knockout was so forceful that Buckley’s mouthpiece flew approximately 20 feet, according to fighter Cody Durden.
• Jasudavicius defeated Blanchfield by unanimous decision, prompting calls for a title shot against Natalia Silva.
• Cristian Perez made his UFC debut with a 27-second knockout victory over Kyle Nelson.
• Canadian fighters won multiple bouts, including stoppage victories for Mandel Nallo and Marc-Andre Barriault.

Background

Malott had previously defeated Gilbert Burns in April, building momentum toward a title opportunity. Buckley arrived at the event having lost three consecutive bouts, including significant wrestling defeats. The event marked the UFC’s fourth stop in Edmonton, Alberta, featuring a card heavy with Canadian talent.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting emphasized the shock value of the knockout, highlighting reactions from fighters like Gilbert Burns and Arnold Allen who described the finish as 'brutal' and 'beautiful.' Bleacher Report focused on Malott’s emergence as a top contender, comparing him to Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. UFC.com provided pre-fight context, noting Buckley’s recent struggles with wrestling and Malott’s strong run on Canadian soil. Sherdog provided detailed round-by-round scoring, confirming the second-round stoppage. Kai Kamaka, a UFC featherweight, expressed concern for Buckley’s well-being, writing 'Praying for Buckley' on social media.

Why it matters

Malott’s victory positions him as a serious contender for the welterweight title, potentially challenging the dominance of established fighters. Jasudavicius’s upset win over Blanchfield reshapes the flyweight division’s title picture, with both fighters now eyeing opportunities against Natalia Silva. The event demonstrated the strength of Canadian MMA talent, with multiple fighters securing victories on home soil.

What to watch

Malott is expected to pursue a title shot in the welterweight division, potentially against Carlos Prates or Michael Morales. Jasudavicius has called for a fight with Natalia Silva, though Alexa Grasso remains a strong contender. Buckley must recover from his loss and address his wrestling vulnerabilities to return to form. The UFC is scheduled to return to Toronto in January, potentially featuring more Canadian fighters.