Overview
- Malott finished Buckley with a knee in the second round at UFC Edmonton, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and a career‑defining win.
- On The Ariel Helwani Show Malott said he dealt with a staph infection during fight week but reported that he is feeling fine and was cleared to compete.
- Malott explained the finish by saying he intended a head kick, felt contact on the body, then recognized the knee’s damage and continued until the referee stopped the fight.
- He praised Buckley’s candid, live‑streamed post‑fight reaction as genuine and said their behind‑the‑scenes fight‑week interactions had been friendly, calling the weigh‑in snub more performative than personal.
- The victory extends Malott’s win streak, positions him for a likely rise toward the UFC welterweight top‑10, and leaves him open to a quick turnaround for the January Toronto card pending matchmaker decisions.