“Meerschaert took the first round after pulling Malkoun down into a guillotine choke,” said a ringside observer after the fight. Jacob Malkoun secured a unanimous decision victory over Gerald Meerschaert on May 2, 2026, at UFC Perth, despite a challenging start to the match.
In front of a lively crowd at the RAC Arena in Perth, Malkoun showed resilience. Although he struggled early on, he managed to adapt his strategy and turned the fight around. The judges scored it 29-28 across all three scorecards.
Malkoun, now with a professional record of 9-3, has proven himself as a formidable competitor in the Middleweight division. He has won two consecutive fights in the UFC, showcasing his skills and determination.
Key statistics:
- Malkoun averages 4.55 significant strikes per minute.
- He also records 5.81 takedowns per 15 minutes.
- This fight marked Meerschaert’s 59th professional MMA career walk.
- Meerschaert weighed in four pounds over the Middleweight limit, resulting in a forfeiture of 30 percent of his purse.
- This was Meerschaert’s fourth consecutive loss; his last victory was against Edmen Shahbazyan in August 2024.
Malkoun’s ability to keep the fight standing for most of the rounds proved crucial. “Malkoun uses his superior grappling to keep things on the feet,” noted an analyst after the event. His previous six wins have all come by decision, highlighting his tactical approach to fights.
The atmosphere at UFC Perth was electric, with fans cheering for both fighters. As Malkoun continues to climb the ranks, many will be watching closely to see how he develops further in his career.
