Mike Malott was told he’d never make the UFC; now he’s headlining

Malott recalled being told repeatedly growing up that becoming a UFC fighter was an unrealistic dream. Above
UFC Edmontonhe says the headline opportunity is a reminder of how far he’s come.

Mike Malott reflects on childhood doubts ahead of the Joaquin Buckley fight at UFC Edmonton

Malott headlined a UFC event for the first time earlier this year, defeating Gilbert Burns at
UFC Winnipeg in April. He faces his second major on Oct. 17, facing Buckley at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.

He recalled being smaller than most of his peers and facing skepticism when talking about his UFC ambitions.

“It’s probably weird for people who knew me growing up to see this,” Malott said in a pre-fight interview. “I was the bum of my year, being, you know, smaller than almost every other kid growing up. “You go to a private school; you are not going to be a UFC fighter. It won’t happen.”

Malott says the gratitude helps him appreciate the opportunities that come with competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.

“It’s not guaranteed to anybody,” Malott added. “It was never guaranteed to me. It’s not gifted to me. So gratitude is a huge part of my process and just being present.”