MMA Preview – Jacob Malkoun vs Brendan Allen at UFC 275
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JACOB MALKOUN VS BRENDAN ALLEN FACTS
When is UFC 275? Sunday 12th June, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 275? Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang, Singapore
Where can I get tickets for UFC 275? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 275
What channel is UFC 275 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 275? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JACOB MALKOUN VS BRENDAN ALLEN LOWDOWN
Prior to the UFC Jacob Malkoun (6-1) was simply known as Robert Whittaker’s training partner. Big things were still expected from him and the UFC gave him a chance just four fights into his pro career. However, his UFC debut could not have gone worse getting absolutely iced by Phil Hawes (2020) in 18 seconds. Since then, he has had two more tough match-ups, but has displayed a lot of character and determination earning unanimous decisions over Abdul Razak Alhassan (2021) and AJ Dobson (2022).
Brendan Allen (18-5) would be threatening the rankings by now if it was not for a couple setbacks. In his first three UFC fights he submitted Kevin Holland (2019), TKO’d Tom Breese (2020) and outpointed Kyle Daukaus (2020). He then ran into Sean Strickland who snapped the seven-fight win streak with a knockout. Allen responded with a submission over Karl Roberson (2021) and decision over Punahele Soriano (2021). However, he then suffered a shock knockout against Chris Curtis to derail his momentum again. However, he pounced on the opportunity to gain some back by stepping up to light heavyweight on short notice to submit Sam Alvey back in February.
JACOB MALKOUN VS BRENDAN ALLEN PREDICTION
This is an interesting match-up as Allen is also a grappler by trade with exceptional jiu-jitsu. His striking also continues to improve which will be crucial here. Malkoun is more one dimensional with a wrestling heavy approach and we expect him to try and leverage those skills to subdue Allen for three rounds.
Allen is not used to opponents trying to take him down so it will be very interesting to see how he approaches this whether he will back his submission skills off his back or try and keep the fight on the feet to unleash his striking.
If this remains a stand-up battle, Allen will win. If Malkoun can take him down, it will be a fascinating battle between his wrestling control and Allen’s jiu-jitsu. We can see the Aussie shutting Allen down grinding out a decision, but we can also see Allen finding a finish or conducting the fight for the majority of three rounds.
Allen is a big underdog, so he is well worth a punt, and we feel he has the size, technique and experience to avoid getting pinned on his back for long enough to sway the judges with his striking.
Prediction: Allen via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Allen to win
