UFC Returns to Edmonton as Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott Headline Canadian Fight Night

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is returning to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with a pivotal welterweight matchup that could reshape the division’s title picture. The promotion has announced that No. 10-ranked Joaquin Buckley will meet Canada’s Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Edmonton on October 17 at Rogers Place.

Buckley enters the contest looking to halt a two-fight skid after dropping decisions to former UFC champion Kamaru Usman and top contender Sean Brady. Before those setbacks, “New Mansa” had pieced together an impressive six-fight winning streak at welterweight that placed him on the doorstep of a title opportunity.

Standing across the Octagon will be one of Canada’s fastest-rising stars.

Mike Malott has rebounded in impressive fashion since suffering his lone UFC defeat against Neil Magny. The Ontario native has rattled off four consecutive victories, most recently stopping former title challenger Gilbert Burns to climb to No. 12 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Fighting in front of another Canadian crowd, Malott has an opportunity to earn the biggest victory of his career while moving one step closer to championship contention.

The event’s co-main event will feature an important flyweight showdown between Erin Blanchfield and Canada’s Jasmine Jasudavicius after the bout was postponed from its original date due to a minor injury suffered by Blanchfield.

Edmonton Holds Special Meaning in Cris Cyborg’s Career

While UFC Edmonton will spotlight the next generation of contenders, the city also occupies an important place in the career of MMA legend Cris Cyborg.

Edmonton was the site of Cyborg’s final appearance inside the UFC Octagon when she defeated Felicia Spencer by unanimous decision at UFC 240. The dominant performance showcased the Brazilian’s trademark striking and championship experience before she departed the promotion to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

That victory proved to be the beginning of one of the most remarkable stretches in combat sports.

Since leaving Edmonton, Cyborg has remained undefeated in both mixed martial arts and professional boxing, compiling nine consecutive MMA victories while also building a perfect 8-0 professional boxing record. During that run, she has continued adding championships and further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female combat sports athletes of all time.

Another Historic Opportunity Awaits

Cyborg’s remarkable run continues on August 22, when she returns to defend her PFL World Championship against Ketlen Vieira, currently ranked No. 3 in the world.

A victory would make history once again.

Should Cyborg have her hand raised, she will become the first female fighter in MMA history to reach 30 professional career victories, another milestone in a career already filled with championships across multiple major organizations.

While the UFC returns to Edmonton with a compelling welterweight main event between Buckley and Malott, the city will forever remain connected to a defining moment in Cris Cyborg’s journey—a final UFC victory that launched an unbeaten run spanning two combat sports and continues to grow with every performance.