The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns with another action-packed card as mixed martial arts fans gear up for UFC Fight Night 291, also widely recognized as UFC Edmonton. Broadcast live from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, this event brings together an electric mix of international contenders, promotional newcomers, and beloved Canadian fan-favorites looking to make a statement inside the Octagon. Fight enthusiasts and fantasy players alike can follow the pulse-pounding action as Sherdog provides live, round-by-round coverage, comprehensive scoring analysis, and official results for every matchup on the lineup.
The stakes are high across the entire card, featuring pivotal bouts in the bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions. As the fighters step onto the scale and lock in their official weights, the stage is set for a night of high-level martial arts competition. Sherdog’s expert panel—featuring veteran judges and analysts Brian Knapp, Tyler Treese, and Mike Sloan—is tracking every strike, takedown, and submission attempt from the opening preliminary bout to the main event showdown.
Cody Chovancek vs. Su Young You
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Chovancek (135.5) vs. Su Young You (135.5)
Kicking off the bantamweight action, both Cody Chovancek and Su Young You successfully made championship weight, tipping the scales right at the 135.5-pound mark. As the bout gets underway, both competitors look to establish an early rhythm in the opening frame.
In Round 1, the judges on the Sherdog scoring desk—Brian Knapp, Tyler Treese, and Mike Sloan—watch closely as both fighters trade early blows to gauge distance. Moving into Round 2, the pace intensifies as technical striking gives way to grappling exchanges against the cage. By the time Round 3 arrives, fatigue becomes a factor, forcing both Chovancek and You to dig deep into their cardio reserves to secure the judges’ favor before the final bell sounds and the official result is announced.
Chelsea Chandler vs. Melissa Croden
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Chelsea Chandler (135.5) vs. Melissa Croden (136)
The women’s bantamweight division takes center stage next as Chelsea Chandler, weighing in at 135.5 pounds, squares off against promotional newcomer Melissa Croden, who hit the limit at 136 pounds.
Round 1 begins with high-paced pressure from the opening bell. Chandler looks to utilize her physical strength, while Croden answers with crisp counter-striking. Throughout Round 2, both athletes trade momentum, with Chandler pushing for takedowns and Croden working diligently off her back and finding success in the clinch. The third and final round serves as a gritty test of endurance, leaving Knapp, Treese, and Sloan to weigh the grappling control against the significant striking volume as they finalize their scorecard tallies ahead of the official decision.
Chad Anheliger vs. Steven Koslow
Bantamweight Bout: Chad Anheliger (135) vs. Steven Koslow (135)
Veterans of the 135-pound weight class lock horns next as Chad Anheliger and Steven Koslow both hit the bantamweight limit precisely at 135 pounds.
Anheliger enters the Octagon looking to leverage his veteran composure against the grappling-heavy style of Koslow. In Round 1, Koslow immediately hunts for takedowns, forcing Anheliger to defend aggressively and keep the fight standing. Round 2 sees a shift in momentum as Anheliger finds his range with punches and kicks, punishing Koslow’s entries. As the fight enters Round 3, the tension reaches its peak with both men exchanging heavy leather in the center of the cage, prompting close scrutiny from the ringside press corps.
Katlyn Cerminara vs. Mackenzie Stiller
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Katlyn Cerminara (125) vs. Mackenzie Stiller (124)
Flyweight action highlights the depth of the women’s 125-pound division as seasoned veteran Katlyn Cerminara (125) meets Mackenzie Stiller (124) in a compelling clash of styles.
Cerminara’s experience is immediately evident in Round 1, where she uses lateral movement and technical combinations to frustrate her younger opponent. Stiller refuses to back down, pressing forward in Round 2 to secure pivotal clinch positions and work for trips. The decisive Round 3 showcases high-level martial arts exchanges, with both fighters leaving everything in the cage as Knapp, Treese, and Sloan tabulate the scoring criteria for the official judges.
Joel Faglier vs. Javad Mahjoub
Heavyweight Bout: Joel Faglier (261) vs. Javad Mahjoub (252.5)
The heavyweights step into the spotlight as Joel Faglier, weighing in at a massive 261 pounds, meets Javad Mahjoub, who weighed in at 252.5 pounds.
Given the sheer power packed into the division, Round 1 starts with calculated respect. Both big men test each other’s durability with heavy single strikes before closing the distance for Greco-Roman wrestling battles against the cage. In Round 2, the heavier Faglier attempts to impose his size advantage, but Mahjoub’s athleticism allows him to stay competitive and land hard counter-shots. By Round 3, the crowd anticipates a potential knockout blow as both heavyweights trade punches in the pocket until the final horn.
Nick Galanti vs. Julien Leblanc
Middleweight Bout: Nick Galanti (185.5) vs. Julien Leblanc (185)
At middleweight, Nick Galanti (185.5) and Julien Leblanc (185) put their skills to the test in a classic 185-pound contest.
Round 1 establishes a tactical kickboxing battle, with Leblanc utilizing stinging calf kicks and Galanti working behind a stiff jab. The action heats up in Round 2 as the fighters transition into grappling exchanges, trading dominant positions on the canvas. The third and final round features a desperate push from both athletes, with striking volume and takedown defense proving to be the deciding factors on the Sherdog scorecards.
Tanner Diniz vs. Jhonata Diniz
Heavyweight Bout: Tanner Boser (247.5) vs. Jhonata Diniz (251.5)
Local favorite and Canadian heavyweight stalwart Tanner Boser steps in front of an adoring Edmonton crowd at 247.5 pounds, taking on the dangerous knockout artist Jhonata Diniz, who weighed in at 251.5 pounds.
Boser’s trademark speed and movement are on full display in Round 1, as he darts in and out to land quick combinations before Diniz can set his feet for a counter. Diniz, known for his devastating power, remains patient, hunting for Boser’s chin with heavy hooks in Round 2. The crowd roars as the heavyweights trade heavy artillery in Round 3, creating one of the most electric atmospheres of the evening inside Rogers Place.
Nate Landwehr vs. Mandel Nallo
Lightweight Bout: Nate Landwehr (155) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)
Fireworks are guaranteed when "The Train" Nate Landwehr (155) meets Canada’s own Mandel Nallo (155.5) in a scintillating lightweight showdown.
Known for his relentless forward pressure and unorthodox striking, Landwehr immediately marches forward in Round 1, drawing Nallo into an entertaining, high-octane battle. Nallo uses his length and slick counter-striking to catch Landwehr coming in, creating thrilling momentum shifts. Round 2 sees both men land significant blows, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. The third round develops into an absolute war of attrition, with neither lightweight willing to take a backward step.
Timothy Cuamba vs. Louis Jourdain
Bantamweight Bout: Timothy Cuamba (136) vs. Louis Jourdain (135.5)
Bantamweights Timothy Cuamba (136) and Louis Jourdain (135.5) lock horns in a battle designed to test technical proficiency and speed.
Cuamba starts fast in Round 1, utilizing quick footwork and snappy jabs to keep Jourdain off-balance. Jourdain adjusts in Round 2, finding success with body kicks and counter-wrestling that neutralizes Cuamba’s forward momentum. The third round hangs in the balance as both fighters empty their tanks in search of a decisive finish, leaving the judges with a challenging scoring assignment.
Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Kyle Daukaus
Middleweight Bout: Marc-Andre Barriault (185) vs. Kyle Daukaus (186)
Canadian fan-favorite Marc-Andre Barriault (185) takes on seasoned middleweight grappler Kyle Daukaus (186) in a pivotal matchup for both veterans.
Barriault brings his customary high-volume pressure in Round 1, walking through fire to land punches in bunches against the fence. Daukaus relies on his slick submission grappling in Round 2, looking to drag the fight to the mat and hunt for chokes. The third round turns into a display of pure grit as Barriault defends takedown attempts and pushes the pace on the feet, thrilling the hometown Edmonton crowd.
Kyle Nelson vs. Cristian Perez
Lightweight Bout: Kyle Nelson (155.5) vs. Cristian Perez (154.5)
Canada’s Kyle Nelson (155.5) looks to put on a show in front of his home country supporters as he faces Mexico’s Cristian Perez (154.5) in lightweight action.
Nelson wastes no time establishing dominance in Round 1, using his physicality and striking variety to keep Perez on the defensive. Perez fires back with heavy hooks in Round 2, finding gaps in Nelson’s guard and keeping the score close. As the fight enters Round 3, Nelson digs deep into his conditioning, mixing wrestling with striking to secure control time and cap off a competitive performance.
Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Erin Blanchfield (125) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (124.5)
Top-tier flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield (125) meets surging talent Jasmine Jasudavicius (124.5) in a high-stakes 125-pound contest with major division implications.
Blanchfield demonstrates her elite grappling pedigree in Round 1, immediately threatening with takedowns and chain wrestling. Jasudavicius shows tremendous resilience, scrambling back to her feet and landing crisp punches in the pocket during Round 2. The third round showcases a phenomenal mix of grappling and striking exchanges, with both women proving they belong among the elite of the weight class.
Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott
Welterweight Main Event: Joaquin Buckley (170.5) vs. Mike Malott (170.5)
The main event of UFC Fight Night 291 features a explosive welterweight clash as explosive knockout artist Joaquin Buckley (170.5) steps into enemy territory to face Canada’s own Mike Malott (170.5) in a scheduled five-round battle.
As the first round begins, both men trade heavy low kicks while probing for openings. Buckley showcases his trademark athleticism, blitzing forward with lightning-fast punches, while Malott remains composed, using his technical striking and range to counter.
In Round 2, the pace picks up considerably. Malott attempts to assert his jab, but Buckley answers with thunderous hooks that force the Canadian to respect his power. The championship rounds—Round 3 and Round 4—turn into a tactical chess match mixed with moments of sheer violence. Buckley pushes a relentless pace, while Malott looks to time his opponent’s entries with pinpoint accuracy.
As they enter the fifth and final round, both fighters know the fight hangs in the balance. The crowd inside Rogers Place rises to its feet, roaring as Buckley and Malott leave everything in the Octagon, trading heavy blows until the final horn sounds to conclude a memorable night of mixed martial arts in Edmonton.
