Mike Malott has taken a shot at Joaquin Buckley and his popularity ahead of UFC Edmonton.

Malott and Buckley are set to headline UFC Edmonton on Saturday in a pivotal fight at welterweight. Although Buckley is ranked higher, Malott claims the only reason the American is the main event is because of him and the fact the fight card is in Canada.

“Listen man, he’s a great fighter, top ten in the world for a reason,” Malott said to Full Send MMA. “I’m super fortunate to have an opponent for this one that gives me an opportunity to be top ten, but as far as my name and notoriety in Canada; I’ve main evented in Canada without him, he would never main event in Canada without me.

“He’s in the main event because I’m in the main event for this fight. We just need somebody who is in a position that I can take. And he’s the guy whose spot I’m taking.”

It’s a fair point for Malott, as the UFC wants the Canadian to headline in Canada. However, Buckley has headlined UFC events before and is a top-10 welterweight, so he deserves main events.

Joaquin Buckley fires back at Mike Malott

Although Malott claimed Buckley is only the main event because of him, the American disagrees.

Speaking at UFC Edmonton media day, Buckley claimed he’s the A-side and no one knows who Malott is.

“A lot of guys in Canada really showed me a lot of love and really just put me in a position where it’s really clear that I’m known all over,” Buckley said. “I hold a different kind of weight, when it comes to making me a main event. But Mike Malott, though, it’s just a true story; don’t nobody know you, fam.”

Ultimately, the feud only adds some more hype to the main event, as it should be an exciting bout for however long it lasts.

Who do you think wins, Mike Malott or Joaquin Buckley?

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM