Jacob Malkoun returns after two-year layoff, dominates Torrez Finney at UFC 325 Sydney

Jacob Malkoun made up for two years away in a hurry at UFC 325 in Sydney, returning with a statement performance that showcased exactly why he remains one of Australia’s most reliable grinders at middleweight. Against Torrez Finney, Malkoun delivered a dominant display that blended sharp boxing with suffocating wrestling from start to finish.

From the opening exchanges, Malkoun looked like a fighter who had not missed a beat. His striking was clean and purposeful, using straight shots and steady combinations to win the front-foot battles and keep Finney reacting rather than initiating. When Finney tried to close distance or load up, Malkoun met him with discipline and timing, scoring consistently without giving away many clean counters.

The difference-maker, though, was the wrestling. Malkoun mixed levels seamlessly, repeatedly getting to the hips and turning striking exchanges into control. Once he grounded Finney, he stayed heavy, stayed busy, and kept the fight in his world. Every time Finney tried to build back up, Malkoun was already there with pressure, mat returns, and positional control that drained both time and energy.

It was the kind of performance that answers every question a layoff creates. Ring rust never showed. The pace never dipped. The reads were clear. And the combination of boxing and wrestling made it a difficult night for a dangerous opponent.

After two years off, Malkoun did not just return. He reintroduced himself, reminding everyone at UFC 325 that he can win fights multiple ways and that he is still a problem for anyone who cannot escape his pressure and control.

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