Home / Sports / Vagaev vs Malkoun: Grappling battle heats up UFC 333
Vagaev vs Malkoun: Grappling battle heats up UFC 333
24 Oct
Summary
- Vagaev seeks to control wrestling with positioning and efficiency.
- Malkoun aims for a relentless wrestling contest with repeated attempts.
- Malkoun is predicted to secure a unanimous decision upset.
The UFC 333 early prelims showcase a compelling middleweight matchup between Abubakar Vagaev and Jacob Malkoun. Vagaev, entering the bout as the betting favorite, aims to control the wrestling exchanges through superior positioning and efficiency. His debut performance demonstrated sustained grappling pressure, suggesting he can impose his will on the mat.
Malkoun, however, is on a three-fight win streak and plans to make this a relentless wrestling contest. His strategy involves persistent takedown attempts and sustained pressure, forcing Vagaev to defend rather than initiate offense. Malkoun's experience in the middleweight division and improved striking also present challenges.
While Vagaev's wrestling is a significant threat, Malkoun's recent evolution into a high-volume striker with strong defensive grappling could be key. Malkoun is predicted to weather Vagaev's early storm and utilize superior cardiovascular endurance to take over the striking exchanges. This is expected to lead to Malkoun securing a unanimous decision upset.
