Mike Malott Targets Michael Morales for UFC 336 in Toronto
Mike Malott has identified Michael Morales as the opponent he wants next and expressed interest in competing at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30. The Canadian welterweight made the comments during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show days after stopping Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Edmonton.
Malott improved to 15-2-1 overall and 8-1 in the UFC with the second-round knockout of Buckley on October 17. The finish extended his current winning streak to five and marked his second main-event victory of 2026 after he also stopped Gilbert Burns earlier in the year. Ranked near the bottom of the top 15, Malott has used consistent results against ranked opposition to climb the welterweight standings under champion Islam Makhachev.
Malott addressed his immediate plans and preferred opponent while speaking with Ariel Helwani.
“I think I’m the best welterweight in the world.”
He also stated his preference for the matchup that has drawn attention following the Edmonton win.
“I Want a Fight against Michael Morales.”
Malott expanded on his desire to return quickly on a Canadian card and continue building momentum at home. He noted that he has become a regular feature in prominent spots on events held in Canada and wants to maintain that trajectory at UFC 336, which is scheduled for Scotiabank Arena. The 34-year-old said he is prepared for January and will accept whatever opponent the UFC offers for that date, while making clear that Morales fits the profile he is seeking.
Morales enters any potential pairing as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. The undefeated Ecuadorian holds a 19-0 record and is ranked No. 3 at welterweight after a first-round TKO of Sean Brady at UFC 322 in November 2025. He has not competed since that performance and served as a backup for the welterweight title fight at UFC 330 in August. Morales remains in the title conversation alongside names such as Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry, and a bout against Malott would pair two fighters who have both finished recent top-10 opponents.
A Malott-Morales matchup at UFC 336 would carry clear implications for the 170-pound title picture. Malott has finished two ranked opponents this year and continues to position himself for higher-profile assignments, while Morales has been inactive for nearly a year and needs activity to maintain his place near the top of the rankings. Neither fighter is currently booked, and no bouts have been officially announced for the Toronto card. Speculation has linked Islam Makhachev with a possible title defense on the event, which could open additional spots on the main card.
Malott’s comments arrive at a moment when Canadian fans have a numbered event returning to Toronto for the first time since UFC 297 in 2024. His willingness to fight in January and his specific interest in Morales give the promotion a clear option as it begins filling the card. Whether the matchup materializes depends on the UFC’s matchmaking timeline and Morales’ availability, but Malott has publicly stated his readiness and preferred opponent heading into the new year.
