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Mike Malott was told he’d never make the UFC; now he’s headlining

Mike Malott has reflected on his career so far ahead of his Ultimate Fighting Championship headlining clash against Joaquin Buckley.

By Sourav Chakraborty · Sherdog

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 5:41 AM

Key Things to Know

Mike Malott reflected on overcoming childhood doubts ahead of headlining UFC Edmonton against Joaquin Buckley.
Malott noted that peers doubted his fighting dreams because he was smaller than average and attended private school.
The welterweight previously defeated Gilbert Burns in his first promotional headliner at UFC Winnipeg in April.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mike Malott reflected on overcoming childhood skepticism regarding his mixed martial arts ambitions as he prepares to headline UFC Edmonton against Joaquin Buckley. The Canadian welterweight recalled being told that reaching the UFC was unrealistic, pointing to his smaller stature as a child and his private school background as reasons peers doubted him.

The upcoming fight at Rogers Place in Edmonton marks Malott's second consecutive headlining bout in Canada, following his victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC Winnipeg in April. Malott noted that cultivating gratitude and staying present have remained essential parts of his process while competing at the sport's highest level.

Read the full article on Sherdog

Mike Malott was told he’d never make the UFC; now he’s headlining

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