Overview
- Abubakar Vagaev defeated Jacob Malkoun by unanimous decision at UFC 333 on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, with all three judges scoring the three-round fight 29-28.
- The bout was a tactical fight in which Vagaev repeatedly used takedowns and heavy right hands to dictate exchanges while Malkoun kept pressing forward with a high-volume jab.
- Reporters noted many of Vagaev’s takedowns produced limited damage on the mat, raising questions about how judges credited top position versus striking effectiveness.
- Pre-fight betting had favored Vagaev on DraftKings and some outlets predicted a Malkoun upset, but Vagaev’s control and power ultimately carried the day.
- The win bolsters Vagaev’s move up to middleweight after earlier success at welterweight and leaves Malkoun’s pressure-based game intact but short a fourth straight victory, shaping what both fighters might do next in the division.