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Dana White Held Out His Hand Before Saturday's UFC Main Event, and Joaquin Buckley Looked Right Through It

The UFC Edmonton main event took on an unexpected tone before the first punch was thrown, as UFC president Dana White extended an olive branch to welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley—only to be ignored. Buckley, who has faced criticism for his public persona, made headlines by dismissing White’s gesture during the pre-fight face-offs, a moment that underscored the growing tension between the two figures.

The bout itself pits Buckley, known for his explosive knockout power, against veteran Mike Malott, a fighter who has steadily climbed the ranks despite early skepticism about his UFC prospects. Analysts, including former rival Sean Brady, have tipped Buckley to pull off an upset, citing his ability to carry his striking dominance into high-pressure situations.

The fight marks Buckley’s second UFC headliner, following his controversial but devastating knockout of Impa Kasanganay in 2020—a moment some analysts still rank among the best in MMA history. Meanwhile, Malott, who has reflected on his journey from underdog to main-event status, enters the fight with his own narrative of resilience, though the scales remain tipped in Buckley’s favor ahead of Saturday’s clash.

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