Malott Ends Buckley’s Skid with Violent Knee in Edmonton

Key points

• Malott won by KO at 2:23 of round 2 after a knee struck Buckley’s face.
• Buckley suffered his first stoppage loss in nearly four years and his third straight defeat.
• Jasudavicius defeated Blanchfield by unanimous decision, improving her title aspirations.
• Cristian Perez defeated Kyle Nelson via first-round TKO in 27 seconds.
• Timmy Cuamba submitted Louis Jourdain via rear-naked choke in round 2.

Background

Malott had won four straight fights prior to this bout, including a stoppage win over Gilbert Burns in April. Buckley had lost his previous two fights via wrestling-based decisions, despite being a former Top 10 welterweight. The event marked the UFC’s fourth stop in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2026.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting emphasized the visual impact of Malott’s knee and his post-fight quote about being 'soft spoken but hard hitting.' UFC.com framed the bout as a critical test for Buckley’s ranking position and highlighted Malott’s home-advantage momentum. Bleacher Report focused on the divisional implications, noting Malott’s potential to compete with Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, while also highlighting Jasudavicius’s upset as a major story. Sherdog provided neutral round-by-round scoring but did not offer narrative analysis.

Why it matters

Malott’s victory positions him as a top-10 welterweight contender, while Buckley’s loss raises questions about his ability to adapt to wrestlers. Jasudavicius’s win over Blanchfield intensifies the flyweight title race, with Natalia Silva as champion and Alexa Grasso as a potential challenger.

What to watch

Malott indicated interest in fighting a top-10 or top-5 opponent next. Buckley must address his vulnerability to takedowns. Jasudavicius may seek a title shot, though the UFC is returning to Toronto in January, potentially offering another Canadian showcase.