Malott's Knockout, Record Canadian Card, and End of UFC PPV in Canada: UFC 336 Significance
Mike Malott's second-round knockout of Joaquin Buckley capped a UFC Fight Night event that featured a record 12 Canadian fighters. The promotion also confirmed its next Canadian stop: UFC 336 at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena on January 30. Together, these events signal a significant surge for Canadian MMA.
The Knee That Reshaped Welterweight
Malott and Buckley exchanged cautious kicks in the first round. In the second, as Buckley moved in, Malott timed a knee strike perfectly to the chin, ending the fight at 2:32 of the round. This marked Malott's fifth consecutive win and eighth in nine UFC bouts, improving his record to 15-2-1. Following his April TKO of Gilbert Burns, both stoppages this year earned him performance bonuses. The Ontario native declared his readiness to defend Canada in the octagon and expressed his anticipation for the Toronto event in January. UFC president Dana White acknowledged the possibility, contingent on Malott's health.
A Historic Night for Canadian Talent
Beyond Malott's headline performance, the card itself was historic. Twelve Canadians competed on a single UFC event, a company record, for the Rogers Place crowd. Eleven of the 13 fights concluded before the final bell, matching a modern UFC record for finishes on one card. While Canadian fighters didn't sweep all matchups, their widespread representation was notable. Canada has become a regular UFC venue in recent years, with events held in Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, and Winnipeg over the past three years. This consistent presence makes the upcoming Toronto date feel like part of an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time event.
Toronto's Return
UFC 336 will mark the promotion's eighth event in Toronto, starting with UFC 129 in April 2011. It will be the first numbered event of 2027 and the first in the city since UFC 297 in January 2024, which set a record for the highest grossing event at Scotiabank Arena. UFC 336 will also be the 39th UFC event held in Canada. No fights are officially confirmed, though a welterweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates has been widely rumored as a potential headliner.
The Bigger Shift: No More Pay-Per-View
A less visible but potentially more impactful change for Canadian fans concerns viewing access. Starting in 2026, numbered UFC events in the United States moved away from the traditional pay-per-view model under a new agreement with Paramount. Initially, Canada was not included, with Sportsnet continuing as the broadcaster and numbered cards sold separately. This changes in 2027. Beginning in January, Canadian Paramount+ subscribers will receive all 13 marquee UFC main cards as part of their subscription, eliminating separate pay-per-view purchases for numbered events. UFC 336 is expected to be the first numbered event featured under this new arrangement. For a strong international market like Canada, removing the pay-per-view barrier alters the economics of following the sport and may encourage casual viewership.
Ziv Chen, an author at Casino.com Canada, commented on the growing Canadian combat sports scene, highlighting Canadian fans as one of North America's most engaged audiences. He suggested that increased accessibility to major events will further boost this enthusiasm. This aligns with the UFC's strategy: a record number of local fighters, a rising contender with ties to Toronto, and simplified viewing access provide compelling reasons for continued investment in Canada. The market's sustained growth will depend on more than just single events, but the combination of homegrown talent, live events, and reduced viewing friction offers the UFC greater potential to cultivate Canadian audiences than the previous pay-per-view model allowed.
What's Next
Ticket sales for UFC 336 have not yet begun, with fans currently invited to register their interest. The fight card is expected to take shape in the coming weeks. Malott is awaiting confirmation, and if the call comes, Toronto could witness the homecoming moment that has been building throughout his recent successes.
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