Mike Malott Takes Shot at Joaquin Buckley: ‘He’s in the Main Event Because I’m the Main Event’
Mike Malott fires back at Joaquin Buckley ahead of UFC Edmonton, claiming the American is headlining the event because of his own star power.
Mike Malott isn't buying into Joaquin Buckley's claims that he is the more recognizable fighter as they gear up for UFC Edmonton. The Canadian welterweight has shot back at his rival, insisting that Buckley owes his main-event opportunity to Malott's presence on the card.
The duo will headline UFC Edmonton on Saturday at Rogers Place. However, the rivalry already has palpable tension outside the Octagon, especially after Buckley suggested that Canadian fans are more familiar with him than with his Canadian counterpart.
Mike Malott Claims Buckley Wouldn’t Headline in Canada Without Him
Buckley previously suggested that he feels comfortable in Edmonton and believes people recognize him, while Malott is less familiar to local fans. The Canadian quickly challenged that assessment, pointing to his experience headlining a UFC event on home soil.
“He’s a great fighter, Top 10 in the world for a reason, but as far as my name and notoriety in Canada, I’ve main-evented in Canada without him,” Malott told Full Send MMA.
Malott then delivered his strongest response, arguing that Buckley would not have received the same opportunity without him.
“He would never main event in Canada without me,” the Canadian added. “He is in the main event because I’m the main event for this fight.”
The comments add another layer of intrigue to an already important matchup for both welterweights.
UFC Edmonton Offers Malott a Chance to Climb the Rankings
Beyond the verbal exchanges, this fight has huge implications for the division. Malott steps into the ring riding a four-fight winning streak, including a standout victory against former title challenger Gilbert Burns. On the other hand, Buckley is eager to bounce back after facing consecutive losses to Kamaru Usman and Sean Brady.
For Malott, taking down a ranked opponent like Buckley could be a game-changer in his quest to break into the division's top 10. Buckley, on the flip side, is just as driven to silence his critics and get his career back on track.
With the support of their home crowd and bragging rights at stake, their showdown in Edmonton is set to be filled with plenty of tension when the Octagon doors close.
