Who should Mike Malott fight at UFC 336?
In the main event of UFC Edmonton, which took place on Saturday, October 17, Canada’s own Mike Malott picked up the biggest win of his MMA career to date when he brutally knocked out American Joaquin Buckley with a deadly knee to the chin in the second round.
The win sent the Canadian fans at Rogers Place into a frenzy, and for good reason, as the country finally has a star for the first time in a long time, someone who could potentially fight for the UFC welterweight title.
Related: UFC Edmonton predictions for Buckley vs. Malott
With an 8-1 record in the UFC, including a five-fight win streak right now, Malott is in line for a massive opportunity his next time out.
So, what’s next for Mike Malott?
Mike Malott Will Fight at UFC 336
One thing that needs ot be mentioned immediately is that the UFC is returning to Canada on January 30, 2027, for UFC 336, which takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
The promotion made the news official during the UFC Edmonton broadcast, confirming the rumored fight card, which will mark the first numbered event in Canada during the new UFC on Paramount+ deal in Canada.
Rumors are floating around the internet right now that the UFC 336 main event will see UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev vs. top contender Carlos Prates for the belt, which makes sense, as the company will want to come to Canada with a big fight for its debut on UFC on Paramount+ north of the border.
There have also been rumors that Michael Morales could fight Shavkat Rakhmonov on the card, and you could also see a rematch for the UFC women’s flyweight title between champion Natalia Silva and Jasmine Jasudavicius, who also picked up a huge win at UFC Edmonton when she beat Erin Blanchfield.
But, of course, Malott — who resides in Ontario — will be on the UFC Toronto card; the only question is: against whom?
Potential Opponents for Mike Malott at UFC 336
Malott entered UFC Edmonton as the No. 11-ranked welterweight in the Meta UFC Rankings, while Buckley was ranked No. 8, so Malott will move into the top 10 following his career-best win.
Taking a look at the rankings, here are some of the potential options for Malott’s opponent at UFC 336:
Jack Della Maddalena
Della Maddalena is the former UFC welterweight champion, but he has fallen on hard times as of late with two straight losses.
That being said, he is still ranked at No. 4 in the division, so he’ll be in line to fight someone ranked in the top 10 like Malott soon.
Both Della Maddalena and Malott are strikers, so this would be an incredible fight between two of the best in the world, and one that the fans would surely love to watch.
Belal Muhammad
Muhammad is another former UFC welterweight champion who has struggled lately with three straight losses.
But he remains a big name in the sport, and considering he is ranked No. 7 in the weight class, he would be a step up in competition for Malott his next time out.
It would be a great fight and one that the UFC matchmakers should really consider booking.
Leon Edwards
Once again, we have another former UFC welterweight champion in Edwards, who has lost his last three fights.
But he is ranked No. 10 in the division and is a former champion, so he would be a step up for Malott, and it would be a fun matchup stylistically between two strikers.
I think these are the only three truly realistic options for Malott right now after this win over Buckley, but we’ll see what the UFC matchmakers have in mind, as they always have something up their sleeves.
Either way, Malott has put himself in an incredible position after beating Buckley by brutal knee KO, and he’s now just one or two big wins away from potentially fighting for the UFC welterweight title himself and becoming Canada’s newest UFC champion.
Related: Natalia Silva’s Options After UFC 332 Title Victory
This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Other Sports section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.