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Sean Brady: Joaquin Buckley 'always carries his power,' beats Mike Malott

Joaquin Buckley continued his dominance in the welterweight division with a commanding victory over Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton, solidifying his status as a top contender. The fight marked Buckley’s second headlining appearance in the UFC, following his explosive knockout of Impa Kasanganay in 2020—a performance still widely regarded as one of the most devastating in MMA history.

Malott, who had positioned himself as the unofficial co-headliner for the event, faced Buckley on home soil in Edmonton, where the Canadian fighter sought to assert his own prominence in the division. Despite the high stakes, Buckley’s power and precision proved too much, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure.

The bout also highlighted the ongoing debate over referee Herb Dean, who received rare praise from Buckley amid broader mixed reactions from fighters in 2026.

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