Cody Brundage vs Jacob Malkoun — Fight recap

Cody Brundage won by disqualification in the first round at 4:15 against Jacob Malkoun on September 23, 2023, when referee Mark Smith halted the action due to an illegal strike. Malkoun controlled much of the opening frame, landing 28 of 39 significant strikes (71 percent accuracy) and dominating the clinch with 3:39 of control time, while Brundage managed only 2 of 4 significant strikes despite converting his sole takedown attempt.

The finish came as Malkoun was in the ascendancy, having also attempted three takedowns compared to Brundage's single successful one. Despite being the more active and accurate striker through the brief action, Malkoun's illegal technique cost him a victory that appeared well within reach, marking an unusual conclusion to what had developed into a striking-heavy affair.

The DQ result leaves both fighters in murky territory regarding next steps and ranking implications in the middleweight division.