UFC Edmonton: Buckley and Malott Make Weight for Welterweight Showdown

Key points

• All 26 fighters on the 13-match card successfully made weight on October 16, with no missed weights reported.
• The main event features No. 10 ranked Joaquin Buckley against No. 13 ranked Mike Malott in a five-round welterweight bout.
• Buckley, 21-8, is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak after decision losses to Kamaru Usman and Sean Brady.
• Malott, 14-2-1, is on a four-fight winning streak, including a recent TKO victory over Gilbert Burns.
• The co-main event features No. 4 ranked Erin Blanchfield against No. 7 ranked Jasmine Jasudavicius in a women's flyweight bout.

Background

This event marks the UFC's return to Canada, following recent stops in Paris and Vegas. Buckley had previously been passed over for a title shot in 2025, a decision he remains frustrated by, while Malott is viewed as a rising contender testing his place in the top 10.

How outlets are covering it

SHERDOG and UFC.com confirmed the successful weigh-ins for all fighters, noting Buckley and Malott both hit 170.5 pounds. CBS Sports highlighted Buckley's frustration over being denied a title shot in 2025 despite a strong 2024, while MMA Junkie analyzed the tactical matchup, noting Malott's betting odds shifted to -140 despite Buckley being the initial favorite. Buckley emphasized his striking ability, while Malott's camp focused on exploiting Buckley's grappling vulnerabilities.

Why it matters

The outcome will determine whether Buckley returns to title contention or if Malott solidifies his position as a top-10 contender. Buckley's ability to end his losing streak is crucial for his career trajectory, while Malott's win would validate his ascent in the division.

What to watch

The main card airs at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+ on October 17, with prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET. Buckley and Malott are expected to face off at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET.