Jacob Malkoun secured a second-round TKO victory over Andre Petroski during the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 54 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The fight marked Malkoun’s return to the win column, achieving his first stoppage win in nearly five years.
In the matchup between Malkoun and Petroski, Malkoun emerged victorious after delivering a barrage of strikes, ultimately leading to the referee’s intervention at 0:39 of the second round.
With this win, Malkoun’s updated record stands at 8-3 in MMA, with a UFC record of 4-3, while Petroski’s record now sits at 10-4 in MMA, with a UFC record of 5-2.
Reflecting on the fight, Malkoun highlighted a pivotal moment where he capitalized on Petroski’s attempt for a takedown, utilizing a strong crossface technique that visibly affected his opponent. Malkoun emphasized his intent and aggressiveness in the fight, noting his recognition of Petroski being in a compromised position, which drove him to secure the victory.
Regarding his teammate Robert Whittaker’s upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev, Malkoun expressed confidence in his own skills, positioning himself at a top 10 level in the division. He emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement and readiness to support Whittaker in his endeavors, indicating a focus on pushing each other to excel.
Looking ahead, Malkoun expressed his desire for a fight at UFC Perth, targeting August as a potential timeline. He emphasized his dedication to rigorous training and his intention to contribute to Whittaker’s preparation for his upcoming bout while preparing himself for his next challenge in the octagon.
