LAS VEGAS – Jacob Malkoun had a lot of doubt to clear heading into UFC on ESPN 22. After getting stopped in just 18 seconds by Phil Hawes in his promotional debut at UFC 254, Malkoun (5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) faced another knockout artist in Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC on ESPN 22 this past Saturday. In what likely was a must-win situation, Malkoun prevailed with a dominant win over Alhassan, stifling the power puncher with his grappling. Malkoun is one of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker’s main training partners, so it was a matter of leveling up on the big stage and that’s exactly what he was able to do. “He’s got a decent name, he’s beaten a few guys in the UFC, knocked out a few people – but there was never a question about my skill set,” Malkoun told MMA Junkie and other reporters following UFC on ESPN 22.