NHL star Jeff Malott, brother of UFC athlete Mike Malott, will get in a battle on the ice. Los Angeles Kings ahead Jeff Malott stepped as much as defend his teammate Warren Foegele after Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson delivered a crushing hit in the course of the groups’ season opener on October 7, 2025. The confrontation sparked speedy response from the Kings bench, with Malott dropping his gloves in opposition to Manson in what grew to become one of many evening’s most talked-about moments.
NHL’s Jeff Malott Drops Gloves After Hit
The incident occurred late within the first interval at Crypto.com Enviornment with 1:34 remaining on the clock. Manson stepped up close to the impartial zone and leveled Foegele with a large open-ice hit that despatched the Kings ahead to the ice. Whereas the hit was deemed clear by officers, it prompted an instantaneous response from Malott, who charged off the bench to confront the Colorado defenseman.
Malott and Manson engaged in a brief but spirited fight, with both players exchanging punches before tumbling to the ice and being separated by referees. The altercation resulted in fighting majors for both players, while Malott received an additional two-minute penalty for instigating the confrontation. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena responded enthusiastically to Malott’s willingness to stand up for his teammate, instantly making him a fan favorite.
Jeff Malott, 29, is a 6-foot-4 left winger who made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets in March 2022 after going undrafted out of Cornell University. The Burlington, Ontario native spent four seasons at Cornell, where he served as team captain during his senior year and recorded 53 points in 114 career games. Following his college career, Malott signed with the Jets organization in 2020 and spent several seasons developing in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose before joining the Kings organization in 2024.
This season marked a significant milestone for Malott, who secured a spot on an NHL opening-night roster for the primary time in his profession. The Kings’ teaching workers was impressed along with his response to the hit on Foegele. Head coach Jim Hiller commented positively on Malott’s actions, stating he preferred the response and that the group had no issues with a participant standing up for his teammate.
Brother of UFC Fighter Mike Malott
Malott‘s combating spirit seems to run within the household. His older brother Mike Malott is a outstanding UFC welterweight fighter with a file of 12 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Mike Malott has established himself as a fan favourite within the UFC, incomes two Efficiency of the Night time bonuses and constructing a fame for his ending capability. The 33-year-old from Burlington, Ontario has gained 5 of his six UFC fights, along with his solely loss coming in opposition to veteran Neil Magny in January 2024.
Mike Malott is scheduled to face Kevin Holland at UFC Fight Night 262 in Vancouver on October 18, 2025. The bout represents a significant step up in competition for Mike, as Holland is a ranked welterweight with extensive UFC experience.
The timing of Jeff’s NHL fight and Mike’s upcoming UFC bout has created additional attention for the Malott family name in combat sports circles. Social media posts following the hockey fight frequently referenced Mike’s UFC career, with commentators noting the family’s natural fighting instincts.
Jeff Malott’s performance in the season opener extended beyond the fighting incident. The following night against the Vegas Golden Knights, he scored his first career NHL goal, deflecting a shot past goaltender Adin Hill for a memorable milestone. The goal came off a rush play that Malott helped initiate, showing his ability to contribute offensively as well as physically.
