Mike Malott: Canada’s Rising Star in the UFC Welterweight Division
Mike Malott, known by his moniker “Proper,” has rapidly ascended the ranks of the UFC’s welterweight division, capturing the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide. Born on November 7, 1991, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Malott’s journey from a passionate teenager to a formidable UFC contender is a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience.
Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts
Malott’s foray into martial arts began at the age of 17 when he started training at House of Champions in Stoney Creek, Ontario, under the guidance of Kru Alin Halmagean. His passion for combat sports continued during his time at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he trained at Titans MMA. It was here that he took his first professional MMA fight at ECC 12: Rage, securing a first-round submission victory over James Saunders.
Professional MMA Career
Early Career
Malott’s early professional career saw him competing in various promotions, including Bellator MMA and the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). After an initial four-fight winning streak, he faced his first professional loss against Hakeem Dawodu in 2014. Following a majority draw in his next bout, Malott rebounded by capturing the XFFC Lightweight Championship with a 36-second knockout of Craig Shintani in 2017.
Post-2017, Malott took a hiatus from active competition to focus on honing his skills, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he earned his black belt. During this period, he also served as a striking coach at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, cornering fighters like Urijah Faber and Cody Garbrandt.
Return and UFC Debut
Malott returned to the cage in December 2020 at Cage Fury FC 91, submitting Solomon Renfro in the first round. This victory earned him a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he impressed with a first-round guillotine choke submission over Shimon Smotritsky, securing a UFC contract.
UFC Career Highlights
- UFC 273 (April 9, 2022): Malott made a sensational UFC debut by defeating Mickey Gall via first-round TKO.
- UFC Fight Night: Muniz vs. Allen (February 25, 2023): He submitted fellow Canadian Yohan Lainesse with an arm-triangle choke in the first round, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
- UFC 289 (June 10, 2023): Competing in Vancouver, Malott secured a second-round guillotine choke submission over Adam Fugitt, marking his second Performance of the Night award.
- UFC 297 (January 20, 2024): Facing veteran Neil Magny, Malott experienced his first UFC loss via third-round TKO.
- UFC Fight Night 246 (November 2, 2024): He bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Trevin Giles.
- UFC 315 (May 10, 2025): In front of a home crowd in Montreal, Malott delivered a second-round knockout against Charles Radtke, revitalizing his career post-defeat to Neil Magny.
Fighting Style and Skills
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch with a 73-inch reach, Malott competes in the welterweight division at 170 pounds. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he combines technical grappling with powerful striking, making him a versatile threat in the octagon.
Personal Life
Athleticism runs in the Malott family. Mike’s younger brother, Jeff Malott, is a professional hockey player signed with the Los Angeles Kings organization in the NHL.
Career Achievements
- UFC Performance of the Night: 2 times (vs. Yohan Lainesse and Adam Fugitt)
- XFFC Lightweight Champion: 1 time
Looking Ahead
With a professional record of 12 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Malott continues to climb the UFC welterweight rankings. His recent performances, especially the knockout victory at UFC 315, have solidified his status as a rising star in the division. Fans eagerly anticipate his next bout as he aims to break into the top contenders and vie for championship gold.
Mike Malott’s journey from a young martial arts enthusiast in Ontario to a prominent UFC fighter exemplifies determination and passion. As he continues to evolve and face new challenges, the MMA world watches with keen interest, anticipating the heights he will reach in his promising career.
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