Mike Malott and Trevin Giles collide in the main card opener of UFC Fight Night 246 on Saturday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

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Mike Malott vs. Trevin Giles UFC Fight Night 246 preview

Malott (10-2-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) returns for his second fight of 2024 and looks to ease the pain of a frustrating loss to Neil Magny in January. The result was the Dana White's Contender Series veteran's first loss in the UFC. Malott won his first three fights in the promotion. … Giles (16-6 MMA, 7-6 UFC) has never lost three in a row and enters his second fight of the year with two fights to his name. Before being defeated by Gabriel Bonfim and Carlos Prates, Giles scored two decisions against Louis Cosce and Preston Parsons.

Mike Malott vs. Trevin Giles UFC Fight Night 246 Expert Pick, Prediction

Although the prelims guaranteed high-profile action fights like Victor Henry vs. Charles Jourdain, UFC matchmakers decided to open the main card with a welterweight bout between Malott and Giles.

In the matchmakers' defense, whenever they disrespect Joe Silva's tried-and-true method of booking lightweight men's divisions to set appropriate entertainment tones, they are at least selecting welterweight or middleweight bouts that have high potential for rankings.

From a stylistic perspective, there are potential ending points across the board in this fight between Malott and Giles.

Giles is the more experienced of the two, but he's also the type of fighter who can surprise you with his good looks until he spontaneously bursts into flames at the hands of an opponent.

While Malott, who can find finishes out of nowhere, also can't get over switching from cruise control to the combustion engine at the drop of a hat.

While one can argue that either party is untrustworthy, I can't help but pick Malott, who is up to the challenge at this point.

The choice is Malott, who will score a club-and-substitute in Round 2.

Mike Malott vs Trevin Giles UFC Fight Night 246 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Canadian fighter, calling Malott -310 and Giles +240 via FanDuel.

Mike Malott vs. Trevin Giles UFC Fight Night 246 start time, how to watch

As the main card opening bout, Malott and Giles are scheduled to head to the cage around 8:05 p.m. ET (5:05 p.m. PT). The fight will be streamed on ESPN+.