Mike Malott Knocks Out Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton
Mike Malott knocked out Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton, boosting his title case at welterweight. Here's what's next and the betting angle.
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Mike Malott knocked out Joaquin Buckley with a second-round knee at UFC Edmonton, extending his winning streak to five fights and putting himself in the thick of the welterweight title picture.
The Canadian was coming off a TKO victory over Gilbert Burns and had won four straight before stepping into the main event at Rogers Place. Against Buckley, Malott started slow, with both men cautious and light on volume in the opening round. He picked up the pace in the second, mixing in grappling exchanges with sharper striking before landing the fight-ending knee that put Buckley out cold.
What Does the Loss Mean for Joaquin Buckley
Joaquin Buckley now has to regroup after a loss that extended a rough stretch at welterweight, having dropped his bout to Malott after previously losing to Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman. The finish was brutal enough that it's expected to knock Buckley down the rankings, and he figures to need a step down in competition to get back on track. He has been vocal in the aftermath about having respect for how the fight played out, a notably even-keeled reaction for a fighter who just suffered a highlight-reel knockout.
Where Does Mike Malott Go From Here
Mike Malott's performance was enough to vault him into legitimate title contention at 170 pounds. There's talk of Islam Makhachev facing Carlos Prates early next year, and Malott could land on that same card. A matchup with former champion Jack Della Maddalena has been floated as a logical next step, given Della Maddalena may need a measuring-stick fight before the winner moves into a No. 1 contender spot or title shot.
Betting Angle
Malott's stock should rise sharply in the futures market after a finish this emphatic over a name as recognizable as Buckley's. Expect oddsmakers to start treating him as a live underdog or even a pick'em against the welterweight elite rather than a live dog against gatekeepers. Buckley, meanwhile, is likely to open as a betting favorite in his next outing if he's matched against a lower-ranked opponent, but his market value takes a hit until he shows he can answer back from adversity. Fighters who lose by highlight-reel knockout often see lingering stylistic question marks follow them into future lines, something sharp bettors tend to price in more than casual markets do.
What's Next for Both Fighters
No future opponents or dates have been officially announced for either fighter. Malott's name is being connected to a possible spot on a January card headlined by Makhachev and Prates, while Buckley is widely expected to face a step down in competition to get back in the win column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mike Malott beat Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton?
Mike Malott knocked out Joaquin Buckley with a second-round knee at UFC Edmonton, finishing the welterweight main event after a slow first round.
What was Mike Malott's winning streak after beating Joaquin Buckley?
The win over Joaquin Buckley was Mike Malott's fifth straight victory, following a TKO win over Gilbert Burns.
What is next for Joaquin Buckley after losing to Mike Malott?
Joaquin Buckley is expected to face a step down in competition after the knockout loss to Mike Malott, having also previously lost to Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman.
