“Proper” Mike Malott was easily the biggest winner at UFC Edmonton on Saturday night, as the Canadian scored a highlight reel KO that put Joaquin Buckley out cold in the main event. In the same day, the UFC also confirmed that they will return to the country for a major numbered event soon.
According to the promotion, UFC 226 will happen on January 30, 2027, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
No bouts have been officially announced just yet, but Malott’s headlining win in Edmonton makes him an obvious
candidate for the card. Dana White typically doesn’t like the idea of booking fights immediately after a event, but he did show his interest soon after awarding Malott a $100,000 performance bonus.
“We’ll figure that out later on, but it would absolutely make sense if (Mike Malott is) good,” White said during the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference.
Malott, who seemed to have avoided any major injuries from the two-round match, also confirmed he’s targeting to return at UFC 336.
“Any of these (welterweight contenders) get me excited. I got my phone right here, so I’m waiting for the call,” Malott said about returning at the newly official UFC 336 card in his home country. “Hopefully, it’s not for a couple of weeks. I want to just chill for a little bit, but yeah, I’m ready to defend Canada” in the Octagon.
“So when I come back in January, expect me to be there.”
Malott has now won five straight, and eight of his nine bouts with the UFC to improve his overall record to 15-2-1. This includes two bonus-winning stoppage wins over Buckley and Gilbert Burns this year.
As with all numbered events, UFC 336 is expected to be topped by at least one title bout.
For complete UFC Edmonton results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
