Middleweights collide on Saturday night as Abubakar Vagaev faces Jacob Malkoun at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev in Abu Dhabi.
Vagaev (25–4, 1–0 UFC) came out on top in his promotional debut in July, defeating Saygid Izagakhmaev via unanimous decision. Malkoun (10–3, 6–3 UFC) has won three in a row following his decision victory over Gerald Meershaert in May.
Vagaev enters as a -162 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Malkoun is a +136 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Abubakar Vagaev vs. Jacob Malkoun Fight Preview
Abubakar Vagaev
- 25–4 (1–0 UFC)
- 4–3 (T)KO
- 1–0 SUB
Abubakar Vagaev is coming off an impressive UFC debut earlier this year, overwhelming welterweight Saygid Izagakhmaev with his grappling en route to a decision victory. He’ll look to carry that momentum up to 185 pounds against Jacob Malkoun. Facing a more experienced veteran, Vagaev will need to show a more polished version of himself — especially given his already questionable chin. That said, the 33-year-old Russian is a former ACA champion who trains with Khamzat Chimaev and has won nine of his last 10 pro fights since 2019. All that to say, he arrives in Abu Dhabi in solid shape.
Jacob Malkoun
- 10–3 (6–3 UFC)
- 3–1 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
Despite being on a three-fight winning streak, Jacob Malkoun heads into Saturday night with plenty to prove. In January, “Mamba” couldn’t stop Torrez Finney after the latter tore his ACL just 15 seconds into the fight. A few months later, the 31-year-old Australian dropped a round on all three scorecards to the ghost of Gerald Meerschaert. Malkoun heads into Saturday night with a clear experience edge over Abubakar Vagaev — though his recent track record suggests he may struggle to stay in the win column against this level of competition.
Abubakar Vagaev vs. Jacob Malkoun Pick, Best Bet
Abubakar Vagaev hasn’t proven much in the Octagon, but he’s certainly shown the skill set to beat Jacob Malkoun. The latter’s inability to secure a stoppage in either of his last two fights casts serious doubt on his ability to hang with a healthy opponent in his athletic prime. In a battle between grapplers with middling striking, the scale tips toward Vagaev for Saturday night.
