The middleweight matchup Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney promises compelling action on the prelims card.
Both fighters enter this bout with contrasting styles, distinct career paths, and clear motivation to advance up the UFC Middleweight rankings.
Fighter Profiles
Jacob “Mamba” Malkoun – The Australian Contender
Jacob Malkoun is an experienced middleweight with a professional MMA record of 8 wins and 3 losses heading into UFC 325.
Known for competing at a high level within Australia’s fight scene before rising through the UFC, Malkoun fights out of Sydney, New South Wales, and brings a blend of solid striking and wrestling to the Octagon.
At 5’9″ tall with a 73″ reach, Malkoun doesn’t have a significant size advantage, but he uses his physicality well to press forward.
His UFC record places him in pro fights, where he has alternated wins and losses, showing flashes of skill but also areas for improvement.
Across his career, Malkoun has shown the ability to go the distance, with five of his eight wins coming by decision.
This suggests a fighter who can maintain composure and pace throughout three rounds.
However, his finishing rate is lower compared to some peers, with only three TKO/KO wins and no submissions on his professional record.
Torrez “The Punisher” Finney – The Undefeated Threat
Torrez Finney arrives in Sydney with an unblemished professional record of 11-0, boasting a rare undefeated run for a middleweight at this stage.
The 27-year-old American wrestler is a tactical fighter, combining his strong wrestling foundation with sharp striking.
According to statistical data, Finney lands fewer strikes per minute compared to Malkoun, but his striking accuracy sits at an impressive 68%, making his offensive output efficient and effective.
At 5’8″ with a 75″ reach, Finney is slightly shorter but holds a reach advantage, which can be critical in close quarters and clinch exchanges.
His wrestling credentials – including high takedown averages – give him the means to control where the fight goes.
More than half of Finney’s wins have come via knockout or technical knockout, showing his ability to finish fights when the opportunity presents itself.
Statistical Comparison: Malkoun vs. Finney
Comparing these two middleweights statistically further clarifies their differing approaches:
| Statistic | Malkoun | Finney |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-3-0 | 11-0-0 |
| Height | 5’9″ | 5’8″ |
| Reach | 73″ | 75″ |
| SLpM (Significant Strikes Landed per Min) | 3.86 | 1.77 |
| Striking Accuracy | 56% | 68% |
| SApM (Strikes Absorbed per Min) | 2.48 | 1.74 |
| Striking Defense | 52% | 48% |
Malkoun is a noticeably more aggressive striker, landing more significant strikes per minute.
In contrast, Finney’s approach is more calculated – he lands fewer strikes per minute, but with higher accuracy and a lower rate of strikes absorbed.
Finney’s defense numbers suggest he gives up fewer punches, though his defense metric is slightly lower percentage-wise.
Key Fight Dynamics
Grappling and Control
Finney’s wrestling foundation is arguably his biggest weapon. His takedown averages and ability to impose physical pressure make him a difficult opponent for anyone uncomfortable fighting on the ground.
If he chooses to use his wrestling early, he could disrupt Malkoun’s rhythm and control the pace of the fight for long periods.
Malkoun, on the other hand, has shown that he can hang in scrambles and maintain top position when necessary.
He also mixes in effective striking that could thwart Finney’s entry attempts if timed well.
Yet, Malkoun’s overall wrestling isn’t as dominant as his opponent’s, meaning he may have to rely on defensive grappling and striking to keep the fight upright.
Striking Efficiency
Malkoun’s volume striking could play a pivotal role in this matchup. Landing more punches per minute forces the opponent to respond, potentially creating openings as the fight progresses.
His willingness to trade and maintain pressure might overwhelm a less experienced striker.
However, Finney’s higher striking accuracy and finishing ability paint the picture of a fighter who doesn’t necessarily hit more often, but hits smarter and harder when he does.
His knockout rate shows he can end fights abruptly, which is a real threat for any opponent that overextends.
Fight IQ and Experience
There’s no denying the experience gap here: Malkoun has been in the UFC longer, facing a wider variety of opponents.
But Finney’s undefeated run, including against regional competition and in early UFC bouts, reflects a fighter confident in his game plan and execution.
Adapting to adversity, however, is different at higher levels. Malkoun has experienced setbacks and responded, which can be an intangible advantage in late rounds.
Prediction: Who Wins?
Taking all data into account, this bout at UFC 325 could go one of two ways:
Torrez Finney by Decision or Late Finish: If Finney imposes his wrestling early and successfully controls Malkoun against the cage, he could pile up points on the judges’ scorecards.
His accurate striking and takedown control could keep Malkoun on the defensive, preventing the Australian from unloading heavy combinations.
Finney’s ability to finish fights via KO/TKO means that if Malkoun gets careless, the fight could end abruptly.
Jacob Malkoun by Decision: Conversely, if Malkoun can keep the fight standing and maintain a high strike output, he could edge out rounds on activity.
His resilience and experience give him the tools to fend off Finney’s takedown attempts and score at range, forcing the fight into a longer affair where volume matters.
Final Pick: Torrez Finney via decision is the more probable outcome here, given his undefeated momentum, grappling control, and finishing capability. Expect a tactical fight with Finney gradually asserting dominance over three rounds, but in MMA, anything can happen.
Conclusion
Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney at UFC 325 is more than just another middleweight fight – it’s a matchup between experience and rising, unbeaten potential.
Malkoun’s aggression, combined with Finney’s precision and wrestling prowess, sets up a classic stylistic clash.
While Malkoun could find success with volume striking, Finney’s efficiency and control should allow him to take a close decision win on the judges’ scorecards.
This fight has all the makings of an entertaining battle that could influence both fighters’ trajectories in the UFC Middleweight division.