Jacob Malkoun, fueled by hatred of losing, faces Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Perth

Key facts

• Jacob Malkoun (9-3) faces Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Fight Night in Perth on Saturday.
• Meerschaert weighed in four pounds over the middleweight limit, forfeiting 30% of his purse.
• Malkoun averages 4.55 significant strikes per minute and 5.81 takedowns per 15 minutes.
• Meerschaert has lost four consecutive fights; his last win was against Edmen Shahbazyan in August 2024.
• Malkoun is a -1600 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook; Meerschaert is a +900 underdog.
• Five of Malkoun's last six wins have come by decision.
• Malkoun returned from a two-year hiatus at UFC 325 in January, defeating Torrez Finney.

A middleweight clash with high stakes

Jacob Malkoun steps into the octagon at RAC Arena in Perth on Saturday for a three-round middleweight bout against Gerald Meerschaert on the prelims of UFC Fight Night. The Australian, 9-3 with three knockouts, carries a two-fight winning streak into the contest, while his opponent, a 10-year UFC veteran, is making the 59th walk of his professional career. Malkoun, who defeated Torrez Finney at UFC 325 in January after a two-year layoff, faces a fighter in Meerschaert who has lost four consecutive bouts and, at 38, may be nearing the end of his career. The stakes are clear: a win for Malkoun would extend his momentum, while Meerschaert fights to avoid a fifth straight defeat.

Meerschaert misses weight, forfeits part of purse

At the weigh-ins, Meerschaert came in four pounds over the middleweight limit, but the fight will proceed as scheduled. As a penalty, he will forfeit 30 percent of his purse to Malkoun. The weight miss adds an extra layer of tension, as Meerschaert, who holds height (6'1" vs. 5'9") and reach (77" vs. 73") advantages, now also faces a financial hit. Despite the size edge, analysts note that Malkoun's skills are on another level. He averages more significant strikes per minute (4.55 to Meerschaert's 3.01) and more takedowns per 15 minutes (5.81 to 1.82), suggesting he can control the fight wherever it goes.

Malkoun's mindset: 'I hate losing more than I like winning'

Speaking at Wednesday's UFC Perth media day, Malkoun revealed that his recent success stems from an improved mental game. 'I think just the experience and my mental game has obviously gone to a different level,' he said. 'I think I'm better than everyone, and that's what I've got to do, is show it to everyone else.' Malkoun, who does not revel in victories, explained his drive: 'I kind of hate losing more than I like winning. I win, I'm good for a little bit but people think I'm a bit of a funny guy. I just want to go back to the gym, coach, train. I don't really get too high on the win.' His focus remains on the next challenge, a philosophy that has helped him navigate injuries and cancelled fights.

Betting odds reflect lopsided expectations

On DraftKings Sportsbook, Malkoun is listed as a -1600 favorite, the largest on the card, while Meerschaert is a +900 underdog. The odds underscore the perceived gap between the two fighters. Malkoun's path to victory, according to analysts, lies in using all areas of his game to break down Meerschaert over three rounds. Five of Malkoun's previous six wins have come by decision, and he is +225 to win by decision on Saturday. While a finish is possible against the struggling veteran, the betting market leans toward a methodical, points-based victory.

A bright spot in a tough camp

With several teammates on losing streaks, Malkoun has become a source of optimism in his training camp. His consistent work ethic and refusal to dwell on wins have set an example. 'I come to perform. I work hard in the gym so when it's under the lights, I work hard every time,' he stated. Malkoun's approach remains unchanged by the injuries and cancellations that have plagued his career. 'Myself and my team have always known how good I am and how good I can be,' he said. 'I've just got to perform under those lights. For me, it doesn't make a difference. Feels like I'm fighting any other fight.'

What comes next for the winner

A victory for Malkoun would likely propel him up the middleweight rankings and set up a tougher opponent later this year. For Meerschaert, a fifth straight loss could spell the end of his UFC tenure. The fight, while on the prelims, carries significant implications for both men's careers. Malkoun, who has shown he can overcome layoffs and adversity, aims to prove that his winning streak is no fluke. 'I've just got to go in there and do me, and if I do me I think the result will come,' he said. Saturday's bout will be the latest test of that belief.

The bottom line

• Jacob Malkoun faces Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Perth on Saturday, with Malkoun as a heavy -1600 favorite.
• Meerschaert missed weight by four pounds and will forfeit 30% of his purse.
• Malkoun averages 4.55 significant strikes per minute and 5.81 takedowns per 15 minutes, outpacing Meerschaert in both categories.
• Malkoun's last six wins include five by decision; he is +225 to win by decision on Saturday.
• Meerschaert has lost four straight fights and is 38, raising questions about his future in the UFC.
• Malkoun credits his improved mental game and hatred of losing for his recent success.