Abubakar Vagaev Beats Jacob Malkoun at UFC 333

October 26, 2026 19 Views by

On October 24, 2026, Abubakar Vagaev successfully announced his arrival in the UFC middleweight division, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Jacob Malkoun at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. [ufcalendar.com], [tapology.com]

The matchup presented a significant test for Vagaev in his divisional debut. Standing across from him was Malkoun, a respected grappler known throughout the division for his relentless wrestling pressure and ability to make opponents uncomfortable. Despite the challenge, Vagaev left the Octagon with an important victory that could serve as a springboard for future opportunities at 185 pounds.

Abubakar Vagaev Earns Unanimous Decision Over Jacob Malkoun

After three competitive rounds, the fight went the distance, forcing the judges to determine the winner. All three scorecards ultimately favored Vagaev, giving him a unanimous decision victory over Malkoun. The result improved Vagaev’s momentum while handing him a successful debut in a new weight class. [ufcalendar.com], [tapology.com], [mmafull.com]

While the contest featured several closely contested exchanges, Vagaev demonstrated enough effectiveness throughout the bout to convince the judges he had done the better work over the course of 15 minutes.

Vagaev Reflects on a Tough Test

Speaking with Daniel Cormier following the victory, Vagaev acknowledged that the fight did not unfold exactly as planned. The Russian standout explained that some of the techniques and strategies developed during training camp were difficult to implement inside the cage.

Even so, he remained confident that his overall performance was enough to secure the win. That confidence was ultimately validated when the scorecards were read in his favor.

For many fighters, a successful debut in a new division can be as much about adapting to unforeseen challenges as executing a perfect game plan. Vagaev’s comments reflected that reality, as he emphasized both the difficulty of the matchup and his satisfaction with the outcome.

Respect for Malkoun’s Wrestling Ability

Vagaev also spoke highly of Malkoun’s skill set after the fight. He described his opponent as a difficult competitor who is known for making fights physically demanding through strong wrestling and positional control.

Rather than being intimidated by that reputation, Vagaev entered the bout believing in his own grappling credentials. Throughout fight week and during the contest itself, he remained confident that he could match Malkoun in the wrestling department and succeed in key exchanges.

That belief proved critical. Facing a fighter with Malkoun’s style requires discipline, patience, and confidence in one’s defensive grappling, and Vagaev demonstrated all three while navigating a challenging matchup.

A Promising Start at Middleweight

The victory carries added significance because it came in Vagaev’s first appearance at middleweight. Successful divisional debuts can often reshape a fighter’s trajectory, and Vagaev now has an encouraging foundation upon which to build.

Beating a seasoned UFC veteran such as Malkoun provides immediate credibility within the division. It also gives fans and matchmakers an early indication that Vagaev could become a serious contender as he continues to adjust to competing at 185 pounds.

While there is still plenty of work ahead, UFC 333 offered a glimpse of Vagaev’s potential in his new home. He overcame a respected grappling specialist, handled adversity, and walked away with a meaningful victory that could open the door to bigger opportunities in the middleweight ranks.

Sources

Tags: UFC 333, Abubakar Vagaev, Jacob Malkoun, UFC Middleweight, UFC Abu Dhabi, Daniel Cormier, MMA News, UFC Results, Mixed Martial Arts, UFC Post Fight Interview, Middleweight Division, Combat Sports

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by Oscar Madison - Oct 26, 2026

by Oscar Madison - Oct 26, 2026