UFC 325 Prelims: Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney Advanced Fight Analysis
Event: UFC 325 Prelims
Date: January 31, 2026 at 7pm ET
Division: Middleweight
Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Australia
Matchup Overview
This matchup is a clear contrast between positional control and raw physical intensity. Jacob Malkoun represents a grappling-first, process-driven approach built around clinch work, takedowns, and top pressure. Torrez Finney brings athleticism, explosiveness, and a willingness to force high-impact moments, particularly in the early phases.
The fight hinges on who dictates where exchanges occur. If Malkoun establishes clinch control and slows tempo, his efficiency compounds quickly. If Finney keeps the fight upright and explosive, volatility rises sharply.
Fighter Comparison
| Fighter | Profile | Primary Strength | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | Control-based grappler | Clinch work, top pressure | Limited finishing urgency |
| Torrez Finney | Explosive athlete | Power, physicality | Takedown defense consistency |
Matchup Prediction
Who will win the fight between Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney?
Jacob Malkoun is the likeliest winner, leveraging grappling control and positional dominance to steadily accumulate rounds and limit Finney’s damage windows.
Confidence rate: 65% 🔥🔥🔥
Career Context
Jacob Malkoun
Malkoun’s success is built on repetition and control. He thrives in clinch-heavy sequences, using body positioning and leverage to neutralize offense and accumulate control time. His striking is functional rather than damaging, primarily used to enter grappling exchanges.
The primary limitation is finishing upside. Malkoun often wins minutes convincingly without generating fight-ending moments, which places greater emphasis on judges’ perception and sustained control.
Bettor takeaway: Malkoun’s floor is high when grappling control is established.
Torrez Finney
Finney’s profile is defined by athleticism. He closes distance quickly, throws with intent, and looks to impose physical dominance early. His offensive bursts can overwhelm opponents who fail to establish structure.
The concern lies in energy management and positional defense. When takedowns are conceded or clinches extend, Finney’s effectiveness can drop as explosiveness fades.
Bettor takeaway: Finney is most dangerous before the fight slows.
Key Fight Dynamics
Clinch Control
Malkoun’s ability to secure and maintain clinch positions is the most important variable. Extended clinch sequences heavily favor him.
Takedown Defense
Finney’s takedown defense determines his ceiling. If he consistently stays upright, his power becomes a real threat.
Pace Management
A slower, grind-heavy pace favors Malkoun. A fast, explosive pace favors Finney.
10,000-Fight Simulation Projection
| Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| Malkoun wins | 60% |
| Finney wins | 40% |
| Decision | 67% |
| Inside distance | 33% |
Interpretation: Control and positional consistency slightly outweigh explosiveness over three rounds.
Risk Matrix
| Risk Factor | Malkoun | Finney |
|---|---|---|
| Early Volatility | Low | High |
| Defensive Exposure | Low | Moderate |
| Cardio Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Late Control | High | Low |
Market Odds Snapshot

- Moneyline: Jacob Malkoun is a slight favorite at -139, reflecting market confidence in his grappling control, positional awareness, and ability to win minutes through pressure and top time. Torrez Finney at +124 is viewed as a competitive underdog whose success hinges on physicality and creating damage-driven moments.
- Total (2.5 Rounds): The Over 2.5 at -188 indicates expectations of a fight that extends the distance, driven by Malkoun’s control-oriented style and both fighters’ durability. The Under 2.5 at +159 is priced as a secondary outcome tied to an opportunistic finish.
Prop Odds Summary

- Decision: Malkoun by decision at +172 stands out as the most aligned prop with the expected fight script, while Finney by decision at +241 reflects a less likely but plausible scenario if he edges key exchanges.
- Submission: Submission props are long, with Malkoun at +791 and Finney at +1504, reinforcing that a tap-out finish is not the primary expectation.
- Inside the Distance: Malkoun inside the distance at +288 captures limited finishing upside, while Finney at +395 reflects higher variance tied to power-based opportunities.
- KO/TKO: KO/TKO outcomes are priced long on both sides, with Malkoun at +496 and Finney at +541, suggesting neither fighter is expected to force a clean knockout.
Final Prediction
This matchup favors the fighter who can impose structure early. Finney presents danger in explosive moments, but sustained success requires keeping the fight upright and chaotic.
Malkoun’s clinch entries, positional awareness, and ability to slow exchanges give him a clearer path to winning rounds once momentum stabilizes.
Prediction: Jacob Malkoun wins by decision
Confidence: Moderate
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Bettor Summary
- Malkoun path: Clinch control, takedowns, top pressure
- Finney path: Early power, explosive exchanges
- Live read: If Malkoun secures clinch control early, edge solidifies
Disclaimer
This analysis uses AI assisted statistical research alongside human analysis and editorial oversight. Despite verification efforts, data errors may occur. Readers should independently verify odds, fighter stats, and records before betting. Projections are analytical estimates, not guarantees.
Read All of bet105’s UFC 325 Predictions
Main Card
- Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
- Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint-Denis
- Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy
- Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira
- Quillan Salkilld vs Jamie Mullarkey
Prelims
- Junior Tafa vs Billy Elekana
- Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage
- Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney
- Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliot
Early Prelims


