UFC Fight Night: Julien Leblanc vs Nick Galanti Preview & Prediction

Contender Series graduate, Nick Galanti, debuts as the biggest favorite on the card, taking on hometown hero, Julien Leblanc.

Julien Leblanc vs Nick Galanti facts

What time are Julien Leblanc and Nick Galanti expected to walk out? 18 October 2026 at 12:30 am

Where is UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott? Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 291

What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Paramount

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and HBO Max / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott main card

Joaquin Buckley vs Mike Malott (Welterweight)

Erin Blanchfield vs Jasmine Jasudavicius (Women’s Flyweight)

Kyle Nelson vs Cristian Perez (Lightweight)

Marc-Andre Barriault vs Kyle Daukaus (Middleweight)

Louis Jourdain vs Timothy Cuamba (Bantamweight)

Mandel Nallo vs Nate Landwehr (Lightweight)

UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott prelims

Tanner Boser vs Jhonata Diniz (Heavyweight)

Julien Leblanc vs Nick Galanti (Middleweight)

Javad Mahjoub vs Joel Faglier (Heavyweight)

Katlyn Cerminara vs Mackenzie Stiller (Women’s Flyweight)

Chad Anheliger vs Steven Koslow (Bantamweight)

Melissa Croden vs Chelsea Chandler (Women’s Bantamweight)

Cody Chovancek vs You Su-young (Bantamweight)

Julien Leblanc: Can the Canadian earn his first UFC win?

Returning for his sophomore UFC appearance, things did not go according to plan for Julian Leblanc (10-2) in his debut. The Canadian was choked out in short order by Robert Valentin in his only bout with the promotion to date, succumbing to a rear naked choke in less than three minutes for his first stoppage loss. Leblanc was a prolific finisher on the regional circuit, with all but two of his wins coming by way of stoppage; his eight finishes are split evenly between KOs and submissions.

Nick Galanti: The American looks to justify the odds

Entering this fight as the biggest favorite on the card, Nick Galanti (8-1) makes his UFC debut after earning a contract on the Contender Series with a 35 second KO. Primarily known for his grappling prowess, Galanti has six finishes in eight pro wins and has never been stopped. He’s also been active in the pro grappling scene, earning a victory over former UFC fighter, Phil Rowe, prior to signing with the promotion. Galanti fought the entirety of his pre-UFC career in CFFC, earning the middleweight strap in his final appearance.

Julien Leblanc vs Nick Galanti prediction

While such odds for a debutant are a little over the top, I do think that this looks like a bit of a squash match.

Robert Valentin is decidedly not the cream of the crop at middleweight and he made things look pretty easy against Leblanc; not a promising sign for a long and prosperous UFC career. There’s a strong argument to be made that Leblanc is only here based on his nationality, rather than his ability as a fighter.

By contrast, Galanti looks like a pretty solid Contender Series prospect. He’s well rounded and is an excellent grappler, with his last fight showcasing the fact that he’s also capable of knocking his opponents silly if he’s able to land clean. I rate his strength of schedule a lot more highly than Leblanc’s and he’s got a ton of momentum behind him after his last fight.

I think that he actually reverts back to type for this matchup, leaning on his grappling to find a submission; he has a nasty guillotine and Leblanc is coming off a loss via that exact submission. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he just clobbers him with a right hand and follows up for the finish.

Prediction: Nick Galanti to win by stoppage