The Mike Malott mission remains on track.
Whether or not you believe Malott is Canada’s next great prospect, you have to thank the matchmakers for giving him every opportunity to prove that he is. In April, he added former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns to his hit list; tonight he faces another ranked opponent, Joaquin Buckley, in the main event of UFC Edmonton.
The deck isn’t exactly in Malott’s favor, as Buckley was a rising contender himself not too long ago, but all Malott has asked for is his chance to move up the ladder and Buckley is next man up. Just weeks away from turning 35, Malott can’t afford any setbacks as a disappointing performance will put a damper on whatever potential he has left.
Buckley has never lost three fights in a row, so he has desperation on his side (for lack of a better term, I’m not sure anyone with Buckley’s confidence would truly feel hopeless). The fact is, he knows his back is against the wall and that in a worst-case scenario, like Burns, losing to Malott could cause an existential crisis. Win, Buck.
In the co-main event, Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius fight for a shot at the flyweight title…or do they? Presumably, Valentina Shevchenko will have the chance to regain the belt she never lost in the cage whenever she is ready to return, but if she takes too long the door could be open for Blanchfield or Jasudavicius to challenge Natalia Silva. It’s also possible that one of the co-headliners puts on such a convincing performance that they can simply wait out the Silva-Shevchenko winner.
If that turns out to be Jasudavicius, maybe that’s the Canadian championship prospect we should focus on.
Or: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
When: Saturday October 17. The seven-fight preliminary card begins at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+, followed by a six-fight main card at 8 p.m. ET also on Paramount+.
Joaquin Buckley (14) vs. Mike Malott
I know what we’re all thinking: remember when Mike Malott got all fired up against Neil Magny?
This was an eye-opening loss for Malott and I truly believe he learned a lot from this result. Isn’t that what fighters like Magny are for? Exposing your weaknesses in the hopes that they can be corrected? So far, so good for Malott, who has won four straight since that disappointing night in Toronto.
Malott knows how to win ugly and in a fight with Joaquin Buckley that could potentially last a full 25 minutes, he may have to do just that. He knows a takedown well and his best bet is to do a passable impression of Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman, which is easier said than done. He’s also a threat in stand-up, but that’s not a game he’ll want to play for too long given Buckley’s history of highlights.
Even if Malott becomes a wrestler in his own right, it’s not like Buckley is completely useless against wrestlers. He has won a number of fights in which he was able to lay down and force his way to victory and if Malott’s gas tank is emptied early by a few failed attempts, he will be an easy target for Buckley in the championship rounds.
So let’s get back to this whole Magny story. Malott has gone the distance twice since, and almost a third time against Gilbert Burns. But the question remains whether he can compete in five tough rounds. We find out on Saturday and sorry to the “Maple Leaf Militia”, you may not like the answer.
Erin Blanchfield (5, P4P-9) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (9, P4P-19)
I fully expect one of these fighters to make a statement that allows them to sit back and wait for a title shot, and that fighter is Erin Blanchfield.
We’ve seen “Cold Blooded” grow up in the cage, from her days as a top prospect in Invicta FC to her undeniably successful run in the UFC that only saw her lose once. Her powerful grappling gets all the attention, but she has improved her striking to the point where she could win a fight with Jasmine Jasudavicius if it goes this way.
You can be sure that Jasudavicius won’t hesitate to push the action, which makes me even more confident that this match brings out the best in Blanchfield. Jasudavicius won’t just be neutralized, she’ll fight to the end, which means she’ll force Blanchfield to match her aggression. This also means Blanchfield should find openings to make kills.
Blanchfield sets the tone early with some well-timed takedowns and retires in the second round, becoming the first woman to submit Jasudavicius.
Kyle Nelson vs. Cristian Perez
I’ve written ad nauseam about how Kyle Nelson is a classic spoiler, but only because it’s true. He doesn’t do it always pulled off the upset, but there was a stretch where he went 3-0-1 as an underdog with three of those wins at +200 or worse. Obviously, never bet on MMA… but if you must, Nelson is always a fun option, especially against a fighter making his UFC debut.
Perez is skilled on the feet, with the kind of agility and flexibility that allows him to wrap a leg around an opponent’s head in the blink of an eye. He loves to come forward with kicks and combinations, with defense being a secondary concern. He’s also not afraid to get into a tough fight, even though that’s where Nelson could turn this fight around. Experience can be a great counter to raw talent.
Nelson’s chin may be cracked, so there’s a good chance Perez dusts him off before halfway through the first round. But if he doesn’t, Nelson may take him into the kind of deep waters that many UFC newbies have drowned in. I’m taking “The Monster” by decision.
Marc-André Barriault v. Kyle Daukaus
Kiss from the chef to this beautiful piece of matchmaking.
Kyle Daukaus just got the biggest opportunity of his career, and even though his UFC White House experience ended in less than a round, at least this grinder got his well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Now he can get back to doing what he does best: facing other middleweights.
Once upon a time, Marc-André Barriault was a promising prospect from the famous Canadian promotion TKO MMA. His hopes as a contender never really came to fruition, but he found his niche as a hard-hitting veteran who doesn’t know when to give up. He’s won three consecutive performance bonuses and could easily land another dance with Daukaus.
Barriault’s grappling defense will be tested and I don’t see him having much of an answer for Daukaus, despite decent submission defense. I expect Daukaus to throw his hand away early, then go back to his bread and butter and finish the first round by choking Barriault.
Louis Jourdain vs. Timmy Cuamba
Louis Jourdain doesn’t have quite the arsenal of his brother Charles, but he is no less dangerous on the ground and on his feet. He fights with a certain calm, which allows him to capitalize on his mistakes while remaining solid defensively. The latter trait is good to have for a UFC newbie, most of whom know how to chase finishes, but usually at the expense of their well-being.
Timmy Cuamba is a cut above the type of competition Jourdain has faced on the Canadian regional scene, but he falls into the defensive suspect category. And if Jourdain decides to make it a grappling contest, it’s even worse. Cuamba’s best chance here is to brawl, although even then Jourdain probably has the advantage.
I expect an entertaining back-and-forth, with Jourdain making the decision.
Mandel Nallo vs. Nate Landwehr
I love that we have Mandel Nallo vs. Nate Landwehr. Kind of sad that we may have already seen the best these warriors have to offer.
On the other hand, we always approve of age-appropriate encounters, especially when they involve two guys known for their good punches and stand-up wars. Nallo never plays cards and Landwehr always goes at it throwing hammers, so it’s going to be great for as long as it lasts.
It pains me to say it, but Landwehr’s once sturdy chin is no more, and while I’m sure he’ll be as fearless as ever against Nallo, this just isn’t going to end well for him. Nallo keeps his 100 percent finishing rate intact with another highlight reel knockout.
Jhonata Diniz def. Tanner Boser
Nick Galanti def. Julien Leblanc
Javad Mahjoub def. Joel Faglier
Katlyn Cerminara def. Mackenzie Stiller
Steven Koslow def. Chad Anheliger
Melissa Croden def. Chelsea Chandler
Cody Chovancek def. SuYoung You
Gn sports
