Burlington, Ont., UFC fighter Mike Malott looks for bounceback win against former Texas police officer

Canadian welterweight (Proper) Mike Malott can't wait to get back in the UFC cage Saturday in Edmonton.

"I've been looking forward to it big time. There's been a lot of growth since the last one," said Malott.

And likely some pain and regret.

Malott, riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak (6-0-1) including wins in his three previous UFC bouts, looked to take the next step at UFC 297 in Toronto in January when he faced veteran American Neil (The Haitian Sensation) Magny, ranked 13th among 170-pound contenders at the time.

The 32-year-old from Burlington, Ont., had a 41-11 edge in significant strikes in the first two rounds and it looked like more of the same early in the third when he took Magny down twice. But Magny (29-12-0) worked his way back to his feet and dumped Malott with just under two minutes remaining.

Then the 37-year-old Magny turned up the heat, raining blows from above. Magny worked his way into mount, keeping the position as Malott turned onto his stomach, and landed 35-plus blows before referee Kevin MacDonald stepped in with 15 seconds remaining in the fight.

Magny landed 46 significant strikes to Malott's four in the final round, according to UFC Stats.

"Listen, Neil Magny is the all-time greatest spoiler," UFC president Dana White said after the fight. "Don't ever think you're just going to go in and run over Neil Magny. And tonight he proved it again. He got destroyed for 2 1/2 rounds and then turned it around, came back and pulled out the win."

On Saturday, Malott (10-2-1) looks to bounce back against American Trevin (The Problem) Giles (16-6-0) on a UFC Fight Night card.

The main event at Rogers Place pits former flyweight champion Brandon (The Assassin Baby) Moreno, ranked second among 125-pound