Leafs D Brandon Carlo Unknowingly Drops Gloves with Brother of UFC Fighter in Win Over Kings
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo is admittedly not much of a fighter, but on Saturday, he went toe-to-toe with the brother of UFC fighter Mike Malott.
The Los Angeles Kings were one of the NHL's best home teams this season heading into Saturday's meeting with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Thankfully for the Leafs, they were able to escape the Staples Center with the 2 points in a thrilling 3-1 win, once again propelling themselves past the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning and back into the Atlantic Division lead with 92 points.
A huge part of the Leafs' motivation to win the game was a first period scrap between newcomer Brandon Carlo and Kings forward Jeff Malott. However, when Carlo initially dropped the gloves, which he doesn't do often, he wasn't aware that he was doing so with the brother of a UFC fighter.
In a piece from Nick Barden of The Hockey News, Carlo shared his reaction to the news that Jeff's brother, Mike Malott, is on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster. When asked whether he knew who Malott's brother was, Carlo had this to say:
"Not at all, but knowing that information, I'm thankful I'm not knocked out right now, so that's good to know, and I'll definitely do a little bit more research next time."
On how the tilt was initiated, Carlo revealed that it was Malott who issued the challenge. Despite the fact that he hasn't exactly made a career out of throwing hands, Carlo still obliged.
"It just happens fast. I was right there in front of the net. He asked if I wanted to go, so I said yes. Good on his part.
I think it's good for me, too, to step up in those ways occasionally. I'm not much of a fighter, but I enjoy doing things for my team. So whatever is needed of me, I will [do]."
I think it's good for me, too, to step up in those ways occasionally. I'm not much of a fighter, but I enjoy doing things for my team. So whatever is needed of me, I will [do]."
Carlo has been a revelation for the Leafs on the blueline since coming over from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. His defensive play has been impressive, but his commitment to doing all the little things that it takes to win is even more incredible.
| POLL | ||
MARS 30 | 2345 ANSWERS Leafs D Brandon Carlo Unknowingly Drops Gloves with Brother of UFC Fighter in Win Over Kings Have you been impressed with Brandon Carlo since he joined the Maple Leafs organization? | ||
| Yes | 1626 | 69.3 % |
| No | 155 | 6.6 % |
| He's been okay | 564 | 24.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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