Mike Malott submitted Yohan Lainesse in the all-Canadian opener of UFC Vegas 70. The welterweight contest between the two Canadian stars ended in the last minute of round number one. “Proper” barely broke a sweat as he slowly imposed his plan on ‘White Lion’ for another first-round win.
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Malott came into the fight, having won four of his last five. He was also on a four-fight win streak. His opponent was also 4-1 in his last five, making this a contest between equals.
Fans react to Malott vs. Lainesse at UFC Vegas 70
In a clinical performance, Mike Malott earned his 9th first-round finish in his UFC Vegas 70 bout against Yohan Lainesse. The 31-year-old took top control early in the first round and did not have to look back. Late in the round, he locked in an arm triangle, forcing the tap out of his opponent.
All of his pro-wins have been first-round finishes, and he made sure to keep the record alive against Lainesse.
Fans on social media showed their appreciation for the up-and-coming welterweight contender post that dominant display.
Emotional win for @Michael_Malott, who gets it done in the opening round. #UFCVegas70 pic.twitter.com/wU3eoLrChd
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) February 26, 2023
Mike Malott is damn good
— Kyle Whitman (@k_wik97) February 26, 2023
Good technical finish by Malott. #UFCVegas70
— Myola Woods (@realmyola1) February 26, 2023
The 31-year-old also had a message for aspiring fighters from Canada and any fellow countrymen who were watching.
Malott post-fight: "I hope that showed high level Canadian MMA and what Canada can be all about, I hope we inspired the young kids in Canada to pursue their dreams."
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 26, 2023
Mike Malott is a bad man. Technically sound performance. He wins via 1st round arm triangle. #UFCVegas70
— New Year, Same B (@MisterB1986) February 26, 2023
Impressive top pressure from Mike Malott. Hell of a squeeze he finished that quick. #ufc
— Johnny (@johnnybunss) February 26, 2023
Mallot revealed during the octagon interview that he and Lainesse were friends and had trained before. Although he was not a fan of duking it out with a fellow Canadian, he was happy that Canadian MMA got the spotlight. He also added how liked to “jam” and “freestyle” in the cage rather than execute something rehearsed.
However, he added that Lainesse had power in his shots. Therefore, he could not afford to play with him too long before finding a finish.
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In his post-fight speech, Malott also shared the loss of his grandmother and his uncle, proving the night an emotional roller coaster for him. He thanked his family and his team for helping him through the loss while preparing for the fight.
He also called for the UFC to return to Toronto, Canada, vowing to sell the event out.
9-1-1 in his pro career and 2-0 in the UFC, the future is there for the taking for Mike Malott. Who do you want to see him fight next? Let us know in the comments below.
