The decline of Canadian MMA can largely be traced back to the void left by Georges St-Pierre and the failed passing of the torch to his supposed successor, Rory MacDonald. Back in the late 2000s, Canada was basically the “Mecca” of MMA. GSP’s dominance turned Canadian UFC events into massive attractions like UFC 83 and UFC 129, with the promotion repeatedly breaking attendance and pay-per-view records.
Even outside the cage, the sport became a huge part of the country’s fight culture, from packed arenas to fans checking a sportsbook online in Alberta for the latest UFC odds. The UFC was clearly invested in building the next generation, and Rory MacDonald was seen as the guy who could keep Canada at the top. MacDonald eventually got his big opportunity against Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title at UFC 189.
What followed was an all-out war. Lawler stopped MacDonald in the fifth round after one of the most brutal fights in UFC history. MacDonald walked away badly beaten, and with him went Canada’s best hope of finding its next male UFC champion.
However, that hope could get a much-needed boost in 2026, with Mike Malott facing Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton in a crucial chance to finally break into the welterweight top 10. Fighting for the seventh time in his home country with a strong 5-1 record there, the 14-2 welterweight could be the guy Canada needs to get its UFC title dreams rolling again.
1- Taking Down a Top-Tier Contender
While fighters like Jasmine Jasudavicius and Charles Jourdain have carved out solid roles in the Octagon, Canadian MMA has been searching for a true marquee star since the Georges St-Pierre era. Enter Mike “Proper” Malott.
Malott is set to headline UFC Edmonton against No. 9-ranked Joaquin Buckley on October 17 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The No. 11-ranked welterweight is coming off a big TKO win over former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Winnipeg, and now he has another chance to climb the rankings.
HEADLINING ON HOME SOIL ONCE AGAIN 🇨🇦
Canada’s Mike Malott will take on Joaquin Buckley in the #UFCEdmonton main event on October 17 🍁 pic.twitter.com/FR9J0d1sQN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 28, 2026
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For Malott, this fight is about more than simply breaking into the top 10. A win over Buckley could be the moment he goes from promising Canadian contender to the country’s next genuine UFC star. Buckley is one of the division’s most dangerous strikers, landing nearly 4.0 significant strikes per minute and carrying 21 professional wins.
After stopping a former title challenger in Burns, Malott now has a chance to back that performance up against another ranked opponent.
2- Mike Malott Knows How to Finish
If there’s one thing the UFC loves in a potential star, it’s a fighter who knows how to put on a show. Malott definitely fits the bill. The Canadian owns a 14-2-1 professional record, with 12 of his wins coming by stoppage: six knockouts and six submissions. He’s also incredibly quick at finding the finish, with nine first-round victories, including six in 1:42 or less and four in under a minute at 15, 32, 36, and 39 seconds.
His submission game is just as dangerous, with two guillotine wins, two armbars, a rear-naked choke, and an arm-triangle on his resume. Malott has carried that finishing instinct into the UFC, quickly getting past fighters like Mickey Gall, Yohan Lainesse, and Adam Fugitt before showing he can handle longer, tougher fights against experienced opponents.
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With a 7-1 UFC record, a four-fight winning streak, and wins in 10 of his last 11 outings, Malott has given fans plenty of reasons to keep watching.
3- Canada Is Already His Territory
Mike Malott also has something many contenders don’t: a proven connection with Canadian fans. He has fought six times in Canada under the UFC banner and owns a 5-1 record in those appearances. His only UFC loss came against veteran Neil Magny, but Malott has bounced back nicely and now finds himself on a four-fight winning streak.
He also has some history in Edmonton. Malott fought at the city’s November 2024 UFC event, beating Trevin Giles by unanimous decision. This time, he will return to Rogers Place with something much bigger on the line, and he will need to do it as the main-event fighter. That’s a pretty clear sign that the UFC sees his potential.
4- He Can Beat You Anywhere
Mike Malott isn’t dependent on one particular path to victory. The BJJ black belt has the tools to make life miserable for opponents wherever the fight goes. On the feet, he lands 4.02 significant strikes per minute while defending 56% of his opponents’ attempts. On the mat, he averages 1.6 takedowns per 15 minutes with 50% takedown accuracy.
That versatility could be especially important against someone as explosive as Buckley. Malott can stand and trade, change levels, or take the fight to the ground if things get heated.
5- The Blueprint for Canadian Stardom
Canada has always had a passionate UFC fanbase, but since GSP walked away, the country hasn’t really had a fighter who could carry the same weight. Malott might finally have the ingredients to change that.
He’s an accomplished finisher, has a strong record in front of Canadian crowds, speaks well on the mic, and has the kind of aggressive fighting style that translates into highlight reels. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce, giving him a background and personality that make him more than just another fighter on the roster.
Now comes the biggest test yet. Beat Joaquin Buckley, break into the welterweight top 10, and Malott could quickly go from Canada’s promising contender to its next UFC headliner. More importantly, he could give Canadian MMA something it has been missing for years: a new face to rally behind.
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Kshitiz Kumar Singh is a UFC Writer at NY Fights with over three years of experience in sports journalism and content creation. Known for his sharp storytelling and passion for combat sports, he has written in-depth features on stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Ilia Topuria. Before joining NY Fights, Kshitiz worked as a UFC Editor at EssentiallySports while currently serving as a WWE Editor at FirstSportz. His admiration for legends like Georges St-Pierre continues to inspire his detailed and engaging MMA coverage. Whether he’s covering the Octagon or the squared circle, Kshitiz is committed to delivering accurate, high-quality content. Outside the world of sports, he’s a dedicated cinephile, often found practicing monologues from his favorite Al Pacino films, combining his love for cinema with storytelling.
