Mike Malott is interested in making a quick return to the Octagon at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30 after extending his impressive run with a knockout victory over Joaquin Buckley.
Malott picked up his eighth win in nine UFC appearances on Saturday, stopping Buckley in the main event at UFC Edmonton. The Canadian welterweight has recently competed exclusively on home soil and is eager to maintain that momentum with another appearance in front of his compatriots.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, Malott welcomed the idea of fighting again in Toronto, where UFC 336 is scheduled to take place.
“I like the idea. Yeah, I like the idea of that fight,” Malott said.
“I mean, I've kind of cemented myself as like the guy in like a big fight on the Canadian cards, the Canadian guy in a big fight on the Canadian cards and I want to keep that momentum going. I want to keep that role for me. I like that role.”
Malott has embraced the opportunity to represent Canada on home soil and made it clear that he would welcome another chance to do so just weeks after his latest victory.
“I love fighting at home. I love having the opportunity to represent my country at home in the UFC. So, yeah, I like Toronto.”
Mike Malott Could Face Michael Morales at UFC 336
Speculation is mounting that UFC 336 could be headlined by a welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates. Malott could also find himself in a significant matchup on the card, with undefeated contender Michael Morales emerging as a potential opponent during his conversation with Helwani.
Morales has established himself as one of the division's most dangerous rising contenders, making a potential showdown an intriguing test for Malott as he looks to climb the welterweight rankings.
Although Malott stopped short of calling out Morales directly, he made it clear that he is ready to compete again in January if the UFC presents him with an opponent.
“I'm ready for January. You know me, I don't call people out. Even when you tee it up so nice, I don't call people out,” Malott said.
“But yeah, sorry to not give you what you want. But hey, man, they call me with an opponent for January. I think I’m the best welterweight in the world.”
