UFC Vegas 79: Jacob Malkoun’s controversial disqualification in Cody Brundage fight

It was a bizarre and controversial bout for Jacob Malkoun at UFC Vegas 79 with the Australian’s camp left fuming over the decision to disqualify the Sydneysider.

Australian fighter Jacob Malkoun will attempt to have his controversial disqualification defeat to Cody Brundage changed to a no-contest.

Malkoun’s coach, Alex Prates, said referee Mark Smith “stole the win bonus” from the Sydneysider after ruling Malkoun landed an illegal elbow to the back of Brundage‘s head late in the first round in Las Vegas.

Prates also labelled Brundage a “quitter” for saying he was unable to continue fighting.

After dominating the opening four minutes of the round, Malkoun – a training partner and close mate of Robert Whittaker – connected with the back of Brundage’s head with his forearm.

Cody Brundage wins by DQ due to an elbow to the back of the head from Jacob Malkoun #UFCVegas79pic.twitter.com/w9wV0hDfwV

— UFC View (@DonkeyBrainMMA) September 23, 2023

Referee Smith called time out so he could review the shot, with Brundage given nearly three minutes to rest and recover.

Smith watched the instant replay, then asked Brundage if he could continue.

The American, who was on a three-fight losing streak and likely would have been cut from the UFC with a loss, said he couldn’t keep fighting.

It was then left to Smith to decide whether the result was a no-contest or a disqualification.

Smith ruled disqualification, handing Brundage a win as boos rained down from the UFC Apex.

“The ref just stole the win bonus from Jacob, that’s the truth,” Prates told this masthead moments after the fight. “When he threw the elbow, the guy was sideways, then he turned.

“It was a refereeing mistake.

“More than accusing the guy of quitting, because that’s what he did, but (Brundage’s) corner was calling for him not to come back.

“It was the right thing for them to do. They knew the fight was going to go downhill for him.

“He looked for a way out.”

“He looked for a way out”. Most observers felt Brundage could have continued. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Prates said Malkoun and the rest of his team will look to have the result changed to a no-contest.

“He was sideways when Jacob threw the elbow, then he turned, meaning it was an accidental elbow,” Prates said. “Even then, the elbow didn’t connect. The wrist connected.

“He just quit.

“Now we’re going to have a loss on the record, so hopefully we can overturn it for a no contest. I’ve spoken with the managers, and that’s what we’ll try and do.

“More than the win-bonus, it’s that we want to make it a no-contest.

“Jacob was extremely well prepared for this fight, but the guy stole this from us.”

Brundage wasn’t given the customary winner’s interview after the fight and was hammered on social media, with many speculating the UFC would let him go despite the win.

Originally published as UFC Vegas 79: Jacob Malkoun’s controversial disqualification in Cody Brundage fight