Fighting is more than just a part of the Malott name; it’s virtually in their genes. While UFC fans know Mike Malott for his ruthless finishing abilities in the Octagon, his younger brother, Jeff Malott, recently showed that the family toughness extends beyond MMA. The left winger got into his first NHL fight on Saturday night—on Hockey Night in Canada, when he faced off against Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo. It wasn’t one of those half-hearted scraps where you grab a jersey. Both players came out swinging, landing some powerful shots before proceeding to the penalty box, where they exchanged grins like two warriors who had just earned each other’s respect.
For Jeff Malott, it was more than just throwing hands; it was about proving that he belonged. He’s 28, has been grinding in the AHL for years, and understands how it works. In the NHL, you do not have an unlimited number of opportunities to show yourself. When your time arrives, you must seize it and proclaim it boldly. So when he took off his gloves and began trading bombs with Brandon Carlo, it was more than simply a skirmish; it was a statement. He’s not here for a quick visit, he isn’t just a call-up to fill a spot—Jeff Malott is here to make sure that people remember his name.
Ironically, Brandon Carlo said after the game that he had no idea Jeff’s brother was a UFC fighter. His decision to fight Malott seems all the more impressive now—or perhaps risky. Mike Malott, who is now preparing for his UFC 315 battle against Charles Radtke, is likely viewing the video of his brother’s fight with a mixture of pride and amusement. He spent years honing his striking technique inside the cage, and now his brother is out here hitting haymakers on skates.
Moments like this are why, for better or worse, hockey fights will never completely disappear from the sports landscape. For Malott, whether he receives another call-up or not, one thing is for sure—this fight will be remembered, and in a league that rewards dedication as much as talent, it could mean the difference between getting sent back down and gaining a permanent position. If fan reaction is any indication, we know that he has earned the respect of hockey and fight fans alike. In fact, he might even get a UFC trial!
Fans want Jeff Malott to join his brother in the UFC
Jeff Malott did not only fight; he put on a show. He went toe-to-toe, took some blows, threw some shots of his own, and then sat in the penalty box, laughing like he was having the time of his life. What type of energy is that? Well, fans surely ate it up. It was more than just toughness; it was also about presence. People were convinced that he wasn’t just a hockey player who could fight but was a straight-up fighter on ice, at least based on how he carried himself. That naturally leads to one big question: why stop with hockey? Fans quickly tagged Dana White and demanded that the UFC give Jeff an opportunity.
One fan remarked, “@danawhite, let’s give him a shot, bro. Y’all got nothing to lose,”, while others simply said, “Sign him already.” and “Should join the UFC like his brother.” They weren’t joking either—if Jeff fights like this in his third NHL game, what could he do with proper MMA training? In fact, one fan speculated that Dana White might’ve already noticed the talent, “Dana White on his way with a contract.”
But it wasn’t just the fight that wowed people; it was also how much fun he had. Some men brawl out of frustration; others, out of need. Jeff? He appeared to be having the time of his life. “Dude was smiling the whole fight,” a fan noted. “Great energy.” Another summarized it: “If you’re honestly happy, f— what people think.” And here’s the thing: Malott didn’t simply throw hands; he brought the feel of the Octagon on ice. He wasn’t upset or terrified; he was simply living in the moment, which definitely made everything 10x better.
Of course, with that last name, comparisons were unavoidable. The way he landed those crisp uppercuts, the confidence, the sheer aggression—there’s no denying that this man is related to a UFC fighter. “Yeah, the fight tells me he’s Mike’s brother,” one fan joked, while another simply stated, “Fight game runs in their blood.”
It’s funny—this was supposed to be Jeff Malott establishing himself in hockey, but by the end of the night, half of the MMA world wanted to see him in the Octagon. But what do you think? Were you impressed by his fighting skills? Let us know in the comments.
The post “Dana White, Let’s Give Him a Shot” – UFC World Reacts as Mike Malott’s Brother Jeff’s First NHL Fight Earns Ultimate Respect From Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.