Haris Kruskic: The UFC is asking fans to spend $75 on an event where Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt is the third-to-last fight. Good luck.
This should be a terrific bout, though, regardless of how familiar viewers are with either competitor. Ten of Malott's 11 fights have ended in the first round, while 10 of Fugitt's 12 have resulted in a finish. Don't expect this to last long.
That said, I'm counting on Malott's quick starts, outstanding submission game and the Canadian crowd to overwhelm Fugitt early.
Malott by submission, Rd. 1
Tom Taylor: I know we're beating a dead horse at this point, but I've just got to say it again: This is a terrible pay-per-view. It honestly feels like a slap in the face to fans in Canada, who have been waiting since well before the pandemic for a big UFC card. But I digress.
Malott and Fugitt are not to blame for their position on this card, and their fight should be pretty good, even if half the people watching have no idea who they are.
Malott, a solid prospect at 170 pounds, will be looking for a statement win on home soil. I'm betting things go the way he wants.
As Haris suggested, he is a proven submission threat, and he should be able to lock something up against Fugitt, who has been finished three times in 12 pro fights.
Malott by submission, Rd. 1
Lyle Fitzsimmons: I get why Malott, a Canadian, is on a card in Canada. I'm not quite as sure why he's placed where he is on the bout sheet. But that's a discussion for another time.
It should be entertaining in the spot for those who've committed the cash, and I'll assume the Vancouver vibe breaks any competitive ties.
Malott by submission, Rd. 2
