Abubakar Vagaev Will Face Jacob Malkoun at UFC 333
The welterweight bout between Vagaev and Malkoun is scheduled for October 24 in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Abubakar Vagaev is set to compete against Jacob Malkoun at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. The event will be hosted in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters
This matchup features two fighters currently establishing their standing within the UFC welterweight division as they look to build upon their recent competitive successes.
Abubakar Vagaev enters the contest with a professional MMA record of 25-4, while Jacob Malkoun holds a 6-3 record inside the UFC.
The players
Abubakar Vagaev
He is an accomplished mixed martial artist who earned the ACA welterweight championship in 2026 before transitioning to the UFC.
Jacob Malkoun
He is a UFC competitor who has compiled a series of three consecutive wins within the promotion.
Saygid Izagakhmaev
He is a former UFC fighter who was released from the organization following two straight losses.
The details
Abubakar Vagaev, who previously claimed the ACA welterweight championship in February 2026, enters this bout following a successful UFC debut against Saygid Izagakhmaev. Jacob Malkoun arrives at UFC 333 riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories over Andre Petroski, Torrez Finney, and Gerald Meerschaert.
Timeline
Jacob Malkoun lost to Cody Brundage by disqualification in 2023.
Abubakar Vagaev secured the ACA welterweight championship in February 2026.
Abubakar Vagaev made his debut in the UFC in July 2026.
UFC 333 is scheduled to take place on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This fight impacts the crowded welterweight rankings as both athletes aim to secure a position among the division elite. The outcome will influence the trajectory of the division and future title contention pathways for both participants.
Jacob Malkoun enters the cage seeking to extend a win streak that now includes victories over Petroski, Finney, and Meerschaert. Vagaev looks to maintain the momentum from his unanimous decision win in his promotional debut.
The takeaway
Fighters like Vagaev and Malkoun must remain consistent to survive the high turnover rate of the UFC roster. Viewers should track these rising prospects to see who emerges as a legitimate contender in the welterweight class.
Further reading
For more background on the division, visit our Mixed Martial Arts section.
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