After suffering his first defeat in the UFC, Mike Malott is geared up to make a comeback.
Malott (10-2-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is slated to face Gilbert Urbina (7-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) on July 13 at a UFC Fight Night event, the venue and location of which are yet to be disclosed. Malott shared the news on Instagram following an initial report from Sportsnet.
The anticipation was palpable for Canada’s Malott, who swiftly advanced to a showdown with ranked welterweight contender Neil Magny after securing three victories in the UFC. While he showcased dominance at the outset of UFC 297 in January, the tables turned unfavorably in the final round, culminating in a third-round TKO defeat.
Mike Malott books UFC return after upset loss to Neil Magny. pic.twitter.com/Cjk6SCokIi
— Submission Insights (@SUBInsights) April 25, 2024
Despite facing scrutiny for his performance on his home turf, the 32-year-old rising star exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Prior to his setback against Magny, Malott showcased his undeniable potential by triumphing over his first three UFC opponents.
In these victories, he not only emerged victorious but also secured Performance of the Night bonuses in two of those bouts, a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. Despite the recent setback, Malott’s journey exemplifies the highs and lows inherent in the world of professional fighting, underscoring his unwavering commitment to excellence and his capacity to bounce back stronger than ever.
Urbina, an alumnus of Season 29 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” holds a UFC record of 1-2. He succumbed to a submission defeat in his debut against Bryan Battle but rebounded with a TKO victory over Orion Cosce in May of the previous year. However, in his most recent outing, he suffered a knockout loss to Charles Radtke in February.
With this addition, the July 13 lineup features compelling matchups:
- Mariya Agapova vs. Luana Santos
- Viviane Araujo vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Gabriel Bonfim vs. Ange Loosa
- Mike Malott vs. Gilbert Urbina
As Malott sets his sights on redemption, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming event reaches a fever pitch, promising an electrifying showcase of talent and unwavering determination within the octagon. With each training session dedicated to honing his skills and refining his strategy, Malott approaches this pivotal moment with a steely resolve and an unyielding commitment to reclaiming his place among the elite fighters of the UFC.
The stage is set for a captivating display of athleticism and grit as Malott seeks to silence his critics and write a new chapter in his fighting journey. Fans eagerly await the clash of titans, knowing that in the heat of battle, true champions are forged.
Sarah’s View:
Mike Malott, eager for redemption after his upset loss to Neil Magny, prepares for his UFC return against Gilbert Urbina. Amidst anticipation for his comeback, Malott remains resilient despite criticism for his previous performance. The Canadian fighter swiftly rose in the UFC ranks with three victories before facing defeat in January. Urbina, with a 1-2 UFC record, presents a new challenge. As Malott gears up for his next bout, fans anticipate an electrifying showcase of talent and determination in the octagon on July 13.
