Joaquin Buckley Next Fight: Buckley vs. Malott on October 17

Next fight: Buckley vs. Malott

Joaquin Buckley (11-6) meets Mike Malott (7-1) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott, at welterweight.

How the fight looks

Buckley is a striker who mixes in takedowns, with real knockout power; Malott is a striker who mixes in takedowns. Expect a stand-up fight: both carry knockout power.

• On the feet: Buckley lands 3.6 significant strikes a minute and absorbs 2.9; Malott lands 3.9 and absorbs 2.8. The output is close.
• On the mat: Buckley averages 1.3 takedowns per 15 minutes at 55%. Malott stops 73% of takedowns.
• On the mat: Malott averages 1.6 takedowns per 15 minutes at 57% and spends 16% of fight time in control. Buckley stops 72% of takedowns.
• Power: 8 of Buckley's 11 UFC wins came by KO/TKO, with 3 knockdowns in the last 10 fights. Malott has been stopped by strikes once in the UFC.

Our pick

Malott by decision. 2 of Malott's 7 UFC wins went to the scorecards. MMA.SOCIAL's rating has Buckley at 1,072 and Malott at 1,136, 59% for Malott. On style, Malott has the edge on the feet, with a strike differential (significant strikes landed minus absorbed) of +1.1 a minute to Buckley's +0.6. The takedown threat is close to even. With the styles in: Malott 60%.

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Last fight

Buckley lost to Sean Brady by unanimous decision at UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland on May 9, 2026. Round-by-round stats.

Buckley's last 5 fights

Where Buckley stands

• UFC record: 11-6 - 8 by KO/TKO and 3 by decision.
• Current run: a 2-fight losing streak.
• MMA.SOCIAL rating: 1,072, No. 15 among active welterweights.

Joaquin Buckley's full profile and fight record