Apr 18, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA; Mike Malott (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Gilbert Burns (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images Here are five fights I’d like to see booked after UFC Edmonton:
Mike Malott vs. Sean Brady
Malott just delivered the biggest win of his career, knocking out a ranked opponent in Buckley and sending the Edmonton crowd home happy. The Canadian has put together an impressive run, but the next step needs to be a serious test against someone near the top of the welterweight division.
Sean Brady makes a lot of sense. The Philadelphia-based grappler has the résumé to challenge Malott in areas Buckley couldn’t, and this matchup would tell us whether Malott is ready to make a real run at the division’s elite. Malott has earned a step up, and Brady would give him exactly that.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Zhang Weili
Apr 18, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA; Jasmine Jasudavicius (red gloves) celebrates after the fight agasint Karine Silva (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images
Zhang Weili would be an ambitious next opponent, but that’s what makes it interesting. Jasudavicius has the size, pressure and grappling to make life difficult for anyone in the division. A matchup with an elite former champion would show whether Saturday’s performance was a breakthrough or the beginning of a legitimate title run.
Cristian Perez vs. Mike Davis
Perez couldn’t have asked for a better UFC debut. The newcomer needed just 27 seconds to knock out Kyle Nelson, announcing himself in spectacular fashion and giving the promotion a new featherweight to watch.
Mike Davis would be a good next test. The veteran has experience against quality opposition and could help determine whether Perez is ready to climb the rankings or still needs time to develop. After a debut like that, the UFC should give Perez a chance to build momentum without rushing him straight into the division’s top names.
Marc-André Barriault vs. Cody Brundage
Jun 14, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, UNITED STATES; Mansur Abdul-Malik (red gloves) fights Cody Brundage (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Cody Brundage feels like a reasonable next matchup. Both middleweights have had inconsistent stretches and need wins to establish some stability. Barriault has shown he can be dangerous when he gets going, and another victory would give him a chance to build a little momentum rather than immediately facing another ranked opponent.
Mandel Nallo vs. Jai Herbert
Nallo made an immediate impression on the UFC main card, stopping Nate Landwehr with a second-round TKO. The Canadian lightweight brought the kind of aggression that gets fans invested, and his performance showed he could be a fun addition to the division.
Jai Herbert would be an interesting next opponent. Herbert is coming off a decision win over Matheus Camilo, and both lightweights have something to gain from a matchup that could turn into a striking battle. Nallo has momentum after his UFC debut, while Herbert remains a tricky veteran for rising fighters to get past. It’s a good opportunity for the UFC to see who is ready to take the next step.
