Preview: UFC 271 Prelims

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Middleweights

NR | A.J. Dobson (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Jacob Malkoun (5-1, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Dobson (-115), Malkoun (-105)

The UFC seems to certainly have a type when it comes to matching Malkoun. An Australian prospect whose main claim to fame thus far has been as a training partner of Robert Whittaker, Malkoun did not look completely ready for the UFC upon his 2020 signing. He showed a lot of smart ideas on the Australian regional scene but did not appear to have the requisite physicality or finishing ability to make his way particularly far up the middleweight ladder. Indeed, Malkoun’s UFC debut was over in 18 seconds, as Phil Hawes blitzed him and quickly finished their fight. Malkoun was then booked against another first-round knockout artist in Abdul Razak Alhassan. “Mamba” managed to flip the script, immediately implementing his wrestling and breaking Alhassan on route to a one-sided decision win. Coming off of that outing, the UFC has yet again booked Malkoun against someone known for quick finishes, in this case a promotional newcomer and Dana White’s Contender Series standout in Dobson. That sets up a similar dynamic to Malkoun’s last two fights. Dobson can start off aggressive and wild and appears to have a great deal of natural power, but he is not particularly proven past the first round. There are some things that suggest Dobson might be able to succeed where Alhassan could not, as he does have some grappling chops and looks to be quite persistent, even when things are not going his way. However, the bet is that Malkoun can stifle him early and then force Dobson to answer some previously unasked questions. This is essentially a coinflip. A quick Dobson win would not be a shock at all, but the pick is Malkoun via decision.

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