Ali Akbar Rosady
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has officially announced a pivotal welterweight encounter, with Joaquin Buckley set to face Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Edmonton. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, marking a significant return for the promotion to the Canadian city. This matchup pits two of the division’s most dynamic athletes against each other, both aiming to solidify their standing in the competitive 170-pound landscape and advance their aspirations for a title shot.
Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley, currently ranked No. 10 in the UFC’s welterweight division, enters this fight at a critical juncture in his career. Known for his explosive power and highlight-reel knockouts, Buckley transitioned to the welterweight division in 2023 after a stint at middleweight. His move to 170 pounds was met with immediate success, as he strung together an impressive three-fight winning streak. This streak began with a first-round knockout victory over Andre Fialho in May 2023, showcasing his devastating striking ability. He followed this with a unanimous decision win against Alex Morono in October 2023, demonstrating an improved strategic approach and cardio. The pinnacle of this run came in March 2024, when Buckley delivered a dominant performance, stopping former title challenger Vicente Luque via TKO in the second round. This victory propelled him into the top 10 rankings and positioned him as a legitimate threat in the division.
However, Buckley’s momentum was recently halted at UFC 328 in May 2024, where he faced rising contender Ian Machado Garry. In a closely contested bout, Buckley suffered a unanimous decision loss, a setback that underscored the fierce competition at the top of the welterweight division. With a professional record of 19 wins and 7 losses, Buckley’s career has been characterized by moments of spectacular finishes and resilient performances. His striking arsenal, particularly his powerful left hook and spinning attacks, has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. The upcoming clash with Malott is crucial for Buckley to rebound from his recent defeat and demonstrate that he belongs among the elite contenders vying for a championship opportunity. A victory against a surging Malott would undoubtedly reinforce his position and reignite his path towards the title.
On the opposing side, Mike "Proper" Malott, ranked No. 12 in the welterweight division, represents a significant challenge for Buckley and carries the hopes of Canadian mixed martial arts fans. Since making his UFC debut in 2022 after a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, Malott has quickly established himself as a versatile and dangerous fighter. His professional record stands at 10 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Malott’s journey in the UFC began with a first-round TKO victory over Mickey Gall in April 2022, immediately signaling his potential. He continued his impressive run with a submission win over Yohan Lainesse in October 2022 and a second-round TKO against Adam Fugitt in June 2023, showcasing his well-rounded skillset that includes potent striking and a formidable grappling game.
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Malott’s rise, however, faced a speed bump at UFC 297 in January 2024, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to veteran Neil Magny. This marked his first defeat in the UFC and brought an end to his three-fight winning streak within the promotion. Despite the setback, Malott’s performances have consistently demonstrated his potential to become a leading figure in Canadian MMA. His aggressive style, coupled with his ability to finish fights on the feet or on the ground, has endeared him to fans. Facing a top-10 opponent like Buckley in a main event on home soil presents an immense opportunity for Malott. A decisive win would not only propel him into the top 10 rankings but also cement his status as a legitimate dark horse contender in the welterweight division, moving him closer to the title picture.
The stylistic matchup between Buckley and Malott promises an engaging contest. Buckley’s primary weapon is his explosive, unconventional striking, often seeking the knockout blow from various angles. His ability to absorb damage and deliver powerful counters makes him a constant threat. Malott, on the other hand, possesses a more balanced attack. While he has demonstrated significant power in his hands, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt makes him a serious submission threat, a dimension that Buckley will need to respect. The fight could unfold in various ways: a stand-up war where Buckley’s power is tested against Malott’s technique and chin, or a grappling exchange where Malott might seek to exploit any vulnerabilities on the ground. The home crowd advantage for Malott in Edmonton could also play a psychological factor, potentially boosting his performance.
Adding further depth to the UFC Edmonton card, the co-main event will feature a pivotal women’s flyweight bout between two highly-ranked contenders: Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius. This contest, which was initially scheduled for UFC 330, was postponed due to a minor injury sustained by Blanchfield. The UFC’s Canadian broadcast partner, Sportsnet, confirmed the rescheduling for the Edmonton event.
Erin Blanchfield, known as "Cold Blooded," is one of the most promising talents in the flyweight division. With a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses, Blanchfield has compiled an impressive 7-1 record inside the UFC octagon. Her suffocating grappling and relentless pressure have earned her victories over notable opponents such as Jessica Andrade and Taila Santos. Blanchfield’s only UFC loss came against Manon Fiorot in March 2024, a decision that temporarily halted her ascent towards a title shot. Ranked No. 3 in the division, a win against Jasudavicius is imperative for Blanchfield to maintain her position as a top contender and push for a rematch or a title eliminator bout. Her technical ground game and improved striking make her a formidable opponent for anyone in the 125-pound class.
Jasmine Jasudavicius, with a professional record of 10 wins and 3 losses, has quietly built a solid reputation in the flyweight division. Hailing from Canada, Jasudavicius will also benefit from fighting on home soil. She entered the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021 and has since amassed a respectable 4-2 record within the promotion. Her recent performances include decision victories over Priscila Cachoeira and Miranda Maverick, showcasing her durability, strong wrestling, and effective clinch work. Ranked No. 14, Jasudavicius faces a significant step up in competition against Blanchfield, representing her biggest opportunity to break into the top tier of the division. A victory over a highly-regarded opponent like Blanchfield would catapult Jasudavicius into the title conversation and solidify her standing as a major force in the flyweight division.
The co-main event between Blanchfield and Jasudavicius carries significant implications for the flyweight title picture. Both fighters possess strengths that could neutralize the other’s, making it a compelling clash of styles. Blanchfield’s elite jiu-jitsu and takedown prowess will be tested against Jasudavicius’s gritty wrestling and physical strength. The winner will undoubtedly be positioned for a higher-profile fight, potentially against the reigning champion or another top-ranked contender.
UFC Edmonton promises to be an event filled with high-stakes matchups and compelling narratives. The main event between Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott offers a clash of explosive power versus well-rounded skill, with both fighters desperately needing a victory to advance their welterweight title ambitions. Coupled with the crucial flyweight co-main event featuring Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius, the card is set to deliver an evening of intense mixed martial arts action from Rogers Place in Edmonton.
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