Andre Petroski fell to 10-3 on Saturday night in Atlantic City when he lost to Jacob Malkoun via second-round TKO. However, that description doesn’t completely describe the bizarre situation that led to Petroski’s second consecutive defeat.
Petroski, a 32-year-old Renzo Gracie Philly product, was shooting in for a takedown when his head collided with Malkoun’s left hip. Apparently, the collision had concussive effects, sending Petroski to the mat on all fours, covering his head.
Malkoun landed a kick to Petroski’s side before throwing a series of hammerfists while the latter covered his head. The referee quickly stopped the fight as it was clear Petroski could not continue the bout.
Here is a look at the sequence which was captured and posted on X by MMA Mania:
As if the blow to the head wasn’t enough, the result stings even more for Petroski considering he won the first round on all three judges scorecards.
Petroski, a celebrated collegiate wrestler, has had some issues in the UFC lately. After winning his first five fights with the promotion, he lost his last two bouts via TKO.
In October 2023, Petroski lost to the dynamic Michel Pereira via TKO in the first round of their fight. Mankoun may have received a bit of a gift on Saturday night, but the rugged Australian improved his professional record to 8-3 with the win.
He’s 4-3 with the UFC, and each of his last two contests has ended with a bit of oddness. In September 2023, Malkoun took a loss against Cody Bundrage after the former landed an illegal elbow to the back of the head in the first round.
Perhaps these two will have a rematch, considering the majority of the damage Petroski suffered was self-inflicted and because he won the first frame.
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