UFC Edmonton Predictions: Buckley vs. Malott Fight Picks and Main Card Breakdown

Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott will headline the UFC’s return to Edmonton on Saturday, October 17. Their five-round welterweight contest puts two ranked fighters against each other, with the winner moving closer to the division’s leading contenders. Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius also meet in an important women’s flyweight co-main event.These UFC Edmonton Predictions examine the main card, including each fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential paths to victory. Buckley’s knockout power makes the main event difficult to call, while Malott’s versatility could create problems over five rounds.

UFC Edmonton Fight Card, Date, and Start Time

UFC Edmonton takes place at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The event features six main card fights, with several Canadian athletes competing in front of their home crowd. Buckley vs. Malott headlines the show, while Blanchfield vs. Jasudavicius serves as the co-main event.

The preliminary card begins at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET. Both portions of the event will stream on Paramount+ in the United States.

The main event could influence the welterweight rankings, while the co-main event carries implications for the women’s flyweight title picture. Both matchups feature fighters with contrasting strengths, making tactical adjustments especially important.

UFC Edmonton Predictions for All Main Card Fights

The main card offers a mixture of experienced UFC competitors, rising prospects, and fighters making their promotional debuts. Our predictions consider recent performances, fighting styles, and how each matchup could develop.

These selections represent editorial predictions rather than confirmed outcomes. Every matchup presents different challenges, and a single exchange can change the direction of a fight.

Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott Prediction

Buckley enters the main event ranked No. 10 at welterweight, while Malott holds the No. 13 position. Both fighters possess finishing ability, but they approach their opponents differently. Buckley relies on explosive striking, while Malott combines accurate punches with submission threats.

Buckley can change a fight with one powerful combination. His speed and aggression make him dangerous during exchanges, especially when opponents remain directly in front of him. However, his offensive approach can create opportunities for fighters who maintain distance and mix their attacks.

Can Mike Malott Handle Buckley’s Knockout Power?

Malott has the tools to make this a competitive five-round contest. He can use his reach, straight punches, and kicks to control distance while threatening takedowns when Buckley closes the gap. His ability to change approaches could become important as the fight progresses.

The Canadian must avoid prolonged exchanges in the pocket, where Buckley’s power becomes particularly dangerous. Malott should focus on controlling the pace, attacking from different angles, and forcing Buckley to defend multiple threats. A disciplined performance would give him a strong opportunity to win.

Prediction: Mike Malott by unanimous decision. Malott’s versatility could help him collect rounds through cleaner striking and occasional grappling exchanges. Buckley remains a serious knockout threat, making this one of the card’s more competitive matchups.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius Prediction

Blanchfield enters UFC Edmonton ranked No. 4 in the women’s flyweight division, while Jasudavicius holds the No. 6 position. Both fighters have built their success through pressure, grappling, and the ability to maintain a demanding pace. Their matchup could become a prolonged battle for positional control.

Blanchfield has demonstrated strong wrestling and submission skills against experienced opponents. She regularly looks to close distance, establish control, and create opportunities on the ground. Jasudavicius also brings effective grappling and physical strength, making this a difficult matchup for either competitor.

Who Has the Grappling Advantage?

Blanchfield appears to have the more varied submission game, particularly when she establishes dominant positions. Her ability to transition between attacks could help her control important stretches of the contest. However, Jasudavicius has the strength and wrestling experience to challenge those exchanges.

The Canadian will need to prevent Blanchfield from controlling the fight against the fence. Maintaining balance during scrambles and creating separation could allow Jasudavicius to score with strikes. Still, Blanchfield’s overall grappling ability gives her a slight technical advantage.

Prediction: Erin Blanchfield by unanimous decision. Her wrestling, positional control, and submission threats could help her win the most important exchanges. Jasudavicius should remain competitive, particularly if she can prevent extended periods of ground control.

Kyle Nelson vs. Cristian Perez Prediction

Kyle Nelson faces Cristian Perez in an interesting lightweight matchup. Nelson brings considerable UFC experience, while Perez enters with an opportunity to establish himself against an experienced Canadian opponent. Their contrasting backgrounds could make the opening round especially important.

Nelson has faced several different fighting styles during his UFC career. He can work effectively at close range and has the experience to adjust during difficult exchanges. However, Perez brings aggression and offensive variety that could challenge Nelson’s defensive reactions.

Can Cristian Perez Overcome Nelson’s Experience?

Perez must avoid allowing Nelson to dictate the pace through clinch exchanges. Maintaining movement and attacking with combinations could help him build an early advantage. His willingness to push forward may also force Nelson into uncomfortable defensive situations.

Nelson’s best opportunities could come from slowing the contest and making Perez work through difficult positions. The Canadian will need to remain composed when Perez increases his offensive output. His experience could become valuable if the fight reaches the final round.

Prediction: Cristian Perez by unanimous decision. Perez’s activity and ability to attack from different positions could help him secure a competitive victory. Nelson’s experience makes a close decision entirely possible.

Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Kyle Daukaus Prediction

Marc-Andre Barriault and Kyle Daukaus meet in a middleweight contest featuring two experienced UFC fighters. Barriault prefers physical striking exchanges, while Daukaus offers a more grappling-oriented approach. The winner will likely be the fighter who controls where the contest takes place.

Barriault performs best when he can move forward and force opponents into sustained exchanges. His toughness and willingness to absorb pressure have helped him remain competitive against difficult opposition. However, those aggressive movements can create openings for takedowns.

Will Kyle Daukaus Control the Ground Exchanges?

Daukaus should look to disrupt Barriault’s striking rhythm through clinch work and takedown attempts. His submission skills become particularly dangerous when opponents allow him to establish dominant positions. Maintaining control could also help him limit Barriault’s offensive opportunities.

Barriault must keep the fight standing and make Daukaus work during every exchange. His striking could create problems if he consistently defends takedowns. However, Daukaus has several routes to victory if he establishes his grappling early.

Prediction: Kyle Daukaus by unanimous decision. Daukaus could control enough of the fight through wrestling and positional pressure to secure the judges’ decision. Barriault’s durability makes an early finish less certain.

Louis Jourdain vs. Timmy Cuamba Prediction

Louis Jourdain makes his UFC debut against Timmy Cuamba in a bantamweight contest. Jourdain earned his opportunity through Dana White’s Contender Series and now faces a significant step up in competition. Cuamba already has experience competing inside the UFC Octagon.

Jourdain brings an aggressive approach and the confidence to attack opponents in different phases of the fight. Cuamba has shown that he can compete through difficult exchanges, but he must avoid allowing Jourdain to establish a comfortable rhythm.

Can Louis Jourdain Win His UFC Debut?

Jourdain should benefit from competing in Canada, although crowd support alone will not determine the outcome. His ability to pressure Cuamba and create grappling opportunities could become important. He must also manage his energy carefully against an opponent with UFC experience.

Cuamba can make the contest difficult by maintaining distance and forcing Jourdain to chase him. However, Jourdain’s offensive variety provides several opportunities to create a decisive moment.

Prediction: Louis Jourdain by second-round submission. Jourdain could find success by combining striking pressure with grappling transitions. Cuamba remains capable of extending the contest if he controls distance effectively.

Mandel Nallo vs. Nate Landwehr Prediction

Mandel Nallo faces Nate Landwehr in a lightweight matchup featuring two fighters with different career backgrounds. Nallo has built his reputation through technical striking and finishing ability, while Landwehr brings extensive experience against UFC competition.

Landwehr is known for his aggressive style and willingness to exchange punches. He often creates entertaining fights by applying pressure and forcing opponents to respond. However, that approach can expose him against accurate strikers who remain composed under pressure.

Could Mandel Nallo Finish Nate Landwehr?

Nallo should look to maintain distance and punish Landwehr’s forward movement. His ability to time combinations could become particularly important when Landwehr attempts to close the gap. A disciplined approach would help Nallo avoid unnecessary exchanges.

Landwehr’s toughness and experience give him opportunities to turn the contest into a physical battle. However, Nallo may have the cleaner striking technique and could capitalize on defensive openings.

Prediction: Mandel Nallo by second-round TKO. Nallo’s timing and striking accuracy could produce a stoppage if Landwehr continues moving forward aggressively.

UFC Edmonton Preliminary Card: Fights to Watch

The preliminary card also features several intriguing matchups, including Tanner Boser against Jhonata Diniz at heavyweight. Boser will compete in front of Canadian fans, while Diniz brings dangerous striking that could make their contest unpredictable.

Julien Leblanc vs. Nick Galanti and Javad Mahjoub vs. Joel Faglier are also scheduled for the preliminary portion. Katlyn Cerminara returns against Mackenzie Stiller in a women’s flyweight matchup, adding another experienced name to the event.

These contests deserve attention because preliminary fighters often produce some of the night’s most memorable finishes. However, the confirmed lineup may change before the official weigh-ins.

Readers can follow the upcoming UFC events for the latest scheduling information.

Three Factors That Could Decide UFC Edmonton

The first major factor is the main event’s five-round format. Buckley and Malott must prepare for a longer contest, making pace management and defensive discipline particularly important. An aggressive start could produce an early finish, but sustained pressure may favor the fighter who manages his energy better.

The second factor involves grappling in the co-main event. Blanchfield and Jasudavicius both possess strong ground skills, so positional control could influence the judges more than striking volume. Whoever wins the clinch and wrestling exchanges may control the fight’s direction.

Finally, several Canadian fighters will compete with significant home support. The crowd could create an energetic atmosphere, but experienced opponents will still have opportunities to exploit technical mistakes. Each fighter must remain disciplined regardless of the environment.

Fans unfamiliar with the technical differences between wrestling, striking, and submission attacks can read our guide to MMA fighting styles.

Final Thoughts

Our UFC Edmonton Predictions favor Mike Malott over Joaquin Buckley in a competitive five-round main event. Malott’s combination of striking and grappling could help him control enough exchanges to earn a decision, although Buckley’s knockout power remains a constant danger.

Erin Blanchfield is our selection against Jasmine Jasudavicius, while Cristian Perez, Kyle Daukaus, Louis Jourdain, and Mandel Nallo complete the main card picks. Each prediction depends on specific tactical advantages rather than assuming recent results will automatically repeat.

UFC Edmonton takes place on October 17 at Rogers Place. The final results will show which fighters successfully execute their game plans and which matchups produce unexpected outcomes.

FAQs

Who is predicted to win Buckley vs. Malott at UFC Edmonton?

Our prediction favors Mike Malott by unanimous decision because of his striking variety and grappling options. Joaquin Buckley’s knockout power makes the matchup competitive.

Who will win Blanchfield vs. Jasudavicius?

Erin Blanchfield is our pick by unanimous decision. Her wrestling, positional control, and submission skills could help her win important exchanges.

When is UFC Edmonton 2026?

UFC Edmonton takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

What time does UFC Edmonton start?

The preliminary card starts at 5 p.m. ET, while the main card begins at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+ in the United States.

What is the UFC Edmonton main event?

Joaquin Buckley faces Mike Malott in a five-round welterweight main event. Both fighters enter the contest as ranked contenders.