Mike Malott REACTS To Viral KO, Joaquin Buckley Dissing Dana White, Ready for Step Up in Toronto,

What happened in this episode?

Ariel Helwani interviews Canadian UFC welterweight Mike Malott after his main-event win over Joaquin Buckley, focusing on the mechanics of Malott’s viral finish and his approach to the week. Malott says the fight-ending strike was intended as a head kick but landed as a knee, and he describes not immediately realising the damage because knockout blows can “feel almost like you miss”. He discusses how he and his coaches prepared, saying they identified striking tendencies and believed he could win a stand-up fight even with grappling available as an alternative path.

Malott recounts multiple friendly interactions with Buckley during fight week, including a moment where Malott says Buckley told him intimidation “alpha” rituals made him uncomfortable; Malott contrasts that with Buckley’s colder demeanour at ceremonial weigh-ins. He also describes a “hype man” figure making throat-slitting and “gravedigger” gestures at the weigh-ins.

On scheduling, Malott signals interest in a quick return for UFC 336 in Toronto on 30 January, saying he is ready if the promotion offers an opponent, while noting the pool of plausible match-ups is limited. He speaks about managing nerves and outside “pressure” by staying present and grateful, and he discloses he dealt with “staff” during the week (auto-captions render this term), framing it as part of overcoming camp adversity rather than a justification. The episode includes a mid-show advertisement for the Kalshi prediction-market app.

What are the key points?

• Malott says his kick was intended for Buckley’s head but landed as a knee, and he initially did not feel it as a clean impact.
• He says his team studied Buckley’s tendencies and felt a knockout was plausible on the feet, not only through grappling.
• Malott claims Buckley told him the pre-fight “alpha”/mean-mugging routine made him uncomfortable, before later acting differently at weigh-ins.
• Malott describes a member of Buckley’s entourage making throat-slitting and other intimidation gestures at ceremonial weigh-ins.
• He says he is open to returning on the Toronto card on 30 January if the UFC offers a suitable opponent.
• Malott says he had “staff” during the week of the fight (as captioned), but aimed to stay focused on controllable factors.
• A sponsored segment promotes the Kalshi app and a “Helwani” promo code.

Who is speaking?

Named speakers identified in Egleze's source-linked moments from this episode.

• Mike Malott

Which topics are covered?

How is this page sourced?

Programme

The Ariel Helwani Show

Duration

32m

Original episode

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