Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney: UFC 325 Analysis & Odds

Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney fight analysis

Fight Overview

The highly anticipated Middleweight showdown between Jacob Malkoun and Torrez Finney is set to kick off the Preliminary Card of UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes on February 1, 2026. The action will take place at the world-class Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia. This marks an important stop on the UFC global tour as two contrasting styles collide on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Malkoun vs Finney will be the middleweight curtain-raiser, scheduled to commence at approximately 10:00 AM AEDT local time (midnight UTC). Fans tuning in from around the globe can stream the fight live via their regional UFC broadcasting partners, or follow along with round-by-round updates on UFCBetCompanion.com.

Fighters at a Glance

• Favorite: Jacob Malkoun (8-3-0 MMA, UFC debut Oct. 24 2020)
  • Odds range from -170 (Caesars, BetOnline, FanDuel) to -198 (DraftKings)
  • Record highlights include a TKO win over Andre Petroski and a three-round unanimous decision over Nick Maximov
  • Strengths: well-rounded game, 56% significant strike accuracy, 53% defense, 42% takedown success

• Underdog: Torrez Finney (11-0-0 MMA, UFC debut Apr. 5 2025)
  • Odds range from +130 (Caesars) to +164 (DraftKings)
  • Undefeated to date, with 7 KOs, 2 submissions, and 5 first-round finishes
  • Strengths: explosive wrestling pedigree, 69% strike accuracy, 60% takedown accuracy

Betting Lines & Key Storylines

Jacob Malkoun enters as the betting favorite, carrying the advantages of UFC tenure and experience against higher-caliber opponents. He is favored at around -170, implying a 63% implied win probability. Malkoun’s well-rounded approach—mixing striking, grappling and cardio—makes him a safe pick on paper.

Torrez Finney, meanwhile, remains the live dog at roughly +135, offering a 42% implied chance of victory. Finney’s flawless 11-0 pro record and finishing prowess cannot be overlooked; his 69% significant strike accuracy and 60% takedown success rate suggest he has the tools to nullify Malkoun’s rhythm early.

Key questions:

• Can Finney’s wrestling overwhelm Malkoun’s balanced attack?
• Will Malkoun avoid early danger as he did in past three-round wars?
• Which fighter dictates the pace: Finney’s explosiveness or Malkoun’s measured game plan?

As fight week approaches, oddsmakers have gradually shifted lines in favor of Malkoun, but Finney’s stock remains strong among sharp bettors. With a contrasting blend of veteran savvy and unblemished momentum, this bout promises fireworks and potential betting value on both sides. Make sure to check back for our full breakdown, in-depth analysis and round-by-round predictions as weigh-ins and fighter interviews conclude.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Volkanovski vs Lopes can be found on the Volkanovski vs Lopes event page.

Matchup Breakdown & Fighter Profiles

Jacob Malkoun Profile

Age: 28
Country: Australia
Fighting Style: Well-rounded MMA
Record: 8-3-0 (UFC debut Oct. 24, 2020)

Recent Form (last 5):

• Win vs Andre Petroski (KO/TKO, R2)
• Loss vs Cody Brundage (DQ, R1)
• Win vs Nick Maximov (Unanimous Decision, 3 rounds)
• Loss vs Brendan Allen (Unanimous Decision, 3 rounds)
• Win vs AJ Dobson (Unanimous Decision, 3 rounds)

Strengths:

• Experience & Resilience: Malkoun has already faced top-10 middleweights like Brendan Allen and Nick Maximov. His UFC tenure grants him composure in deep waters.
• Striking Defense (53%): He deflects over half of incoming significant strikes, limiting opponents’ offense.
• Versatility: A 56% significant-strike accuracy combined with 42% takedown success lets him switch between striking, wrestling and clinch work.

Weaknesses:

• Takedown Defense (20%): He struggles to fend off takedowns, a vulnerability Finney can exploit.
• Finite Finishing Power: Only three KO wins and zero submissions in 11 pro bouts mean he often relies on decisions, giving fast starters like Finney a window early.
• Average Fight Time (10:02): Tends to settle into the championship rounds; slow starts can cost him rounds.

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Torrez Finney Profile

Age: 26
Country: United States
Fighting Style: Explosive wrestling base
Record: 11-0-0 (UFC debut Apr. 5, 2025)

Recent Form (last 5):

• Win vs Robert Valentin Frey (Split Decision, 3 rounds)
• Pro wins: 4 stoppages (3 TKO, 1 Submission) before UFC debut
• Back-to-Back First-Round Finishes: Demonstrates his ability to overwhelm foes quickly.

Strengths:

• Striking Accuracy (69%): Finney lands nearly seven of every ten significant strikes, the best rate in this matchup.
• Takedowns (60% accuracy): His wrestling pedigree shows in high-percentage takedowns, dictating where the fight goes.
• Finishing Instinct: Seven KOs, two submissions and five first-round stops speak to his aggression and power.

Weaknesses:

• Striking Defense (48%): He allows more strikes to land than he blocks, risking damage against a precise counter-striker.
• Takedown Defense (0% recorded): No successful defenses on record; Malkoun could reverse or stuff him if he picks his shots.
• Limited Five-Round Experience: Only one three-round UFC fight; cardio over fifteen minutes remains untested.

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Comparative Analysis

• Experience vs. Momentum: Malkoun’s three-year UFC run contrasts with Finney’s meteoric rise in 2025. Veteran savvy may blunt Finney’s early blitz, but Finney’s undefeated confidence and takedown prowess pose a constant threat.
• Striking Exchange: Finney holds a 69% accuracy edge over Malkoun’s 56%, but Malkoun’s 53% defense outpaces Finney’s 48%, setting the stage for a strategic stand-up battle.
• Wrestling Exchanges: Finney’s 60% takedown rate against Malkoun’s 20% defense suggests ground control could decide rounds. Yet Malkoun’s own 42% offensive rate opens counter-takedown and scramble opportunities.

In this clash of styles—Malkoun’s balanced toolkit versus Finney’s wrestling-infused aggression—each man brings clear advantages and exploitable gaps. Bettors and fans should watch the opening minutes: Finney’s blitz or Malkoun’s measured pace could set the fight’s tone and eventually determine who leaves Qudos Bank Arena with momentum on February 1, 2026.

Betting Odds & Line Movement

Current Betting Odds

• Jacob Malkoun (Favorite):
  • Caesars, BetOnline, FanDuel: –170
  • BetRivers: –167
  • BetMGM: –185
  • DraftKings: –198
• Torrez Finney (Underdog):
  • Caesars: +130
  • FanDuel: +132
  • BetRivers: +133
  • Bovada: +137
  • BetMGM: +140
  • DraftKings: +164

Jacob Malkoun is the clear favorite across all major books, trading around –170 to –185 at most outlets. Torrez Finney sits well out at +130 to +164, making him a standard underdog in this middleweight tilt.

Best Sportsbook to Back Your Pick

• If you plan to back Malkoun, Caesars and FanDuel at –170 offer the most favorable line among trusted U.S. books.
• If you favor the value upside, DraftKings with +164 on Finney delivers the biggest potential payout for an underdog ticket.

Odds History & Line Swings

• Early Openers (Jan. 6):
  • Malkoun opened as steep as –210 at Bovada and DraftKings.
  • Finney debuted around +175 at Bovada and +170 at DraftKings.
• Mid-January Shift:
  • Sharp action on Malkoun pushed his number in from –210 to –170 at Caesars and FanDuel.
  • Finney’s line improved from +175 down to +130 at Caesars, reflecting confidence among bettors in his wrestling offense.
• Late-January Movement:
  • BetMGM saw Malkoun dip to –185 and Finney to +140, suggesting some money still backing the underdog.
  • DraftKings holds the widest gap at –198/+164, signaling differing liabilities and a last-minute balance.

This swing—from a 40–50 cent line on both sides to around –170/+130—highlights two narratives:

1. Malkoun’s market strength in early sharp books was so heavy that bookmakers trimmed his edge.
2. Finney’s momentum as an unbeaten prospect enticed underdog bettors to bring his price down by 30–40 cents.

$1,000 Bet Payouts & Implied Chances

• Betting $1,000 on Malkoun (–170):
  • Profit: $588
  • Total Return: $1,588
  • Implied Win Probability: ~63%

• Betting $1,000 on Finney (+164):
  • Profit: $1,640
  • Total Return: $2,640
  • Implied Win Probability: ~38%

At Caesars/FanDuel, a $1,000 wager on Malkoun nets you roughly $588 in profit. At DraftKings, throwing $1,000 on Finney could yield $1,640, making it the most lucrative underdog play.

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Summary:
Jacob Malkoun commands a solid favorite status across every major sportsbook, with the softest price at –170. Torrez Finney’s underdog tag comes with the richest line at +164 on DraftKings. Early heavy money on Malkoun forced lines in by nearly 40–50 cents, while later support for Finney shaved his price by about 30–40 cents. Whether you back the experienced Aussie or the undefeated American, the odds movement tells a clear story of bettors finding value on both sides of this matchup.