Middleweight wrestlers Andre Petroski and Jacob Malkoun faced off in the second fight of UFC Atlantic City.
After his five-fight undefeated run in the promotion came to an end against Michel Pereira, decently-rounded Renzo Gracie Philly prospect Andre Petroski looked to bounce back against specialist Jacob Malkoun. Malkoun, a teammate of Robert Whittaker, has one move that he does, a single leg, but he’s one of the best in the UFC at that sole move. With Petroski’s grappling background, an interesting style matchup was on the cards in Atlantic City.
Malkoun surprised by stunning Petroski badly with a jab in the opening minute, but did not follow up. He showed improved boxing then and afterwards, pressuring Andre back to the fence and controlling the range. However Petroski turned it around somewhat with a right hand that caught Malkoun off-balance. Malkoun then attempted his first takedown and got double underhooks, but Petroski defended well. Andre then landed the first takedown, a slick trip off a single leg with thirty seconds left in the round. He almost took Malkoun’s back but Jacob escaped before the round ended.
After a tight first round, Malkoun attempted and failed a takedown instantly. Petroski then failed his own takedown, then suddenly fell down, seemingly for no reason. Replays showed he may have hurt himself hitting his head on Malkoun’s hipbone while shooting in, but regardless the Aussie pounced with a grounded body kick and hammerfists to finish the fight.
MAMBA MALKOUN FINISHES PETROSKI BUT WE HAVE NO CLUE HOW THAT HAPPENED #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/ZMbsGas8AS
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 30, 2024
Though it was a bizarre finish, Jacob Malkoun did not care as he earned his first UFC finish and bounced back from an unfortunate DQ loss.
Official Result: Jacob Malkoun def. Andre Petroski by TKO (ground and pound) Round 2, 1:39
