Dustin Jacoby delivered a devastating first-round knockout over Bruno Lopes at UFC on ESPN 68 on May 31, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old American countered Lopes’ early aggression with a stiff left hand that buckled his opponent, followed by a relentless flurry of punches, ending with a fight-stopping left at 1:50 of Round 1. This win, following a knockout over Vitor Petrino, improves Jacoby’s record to 21–9–1 and solidifies his status as a dangerous light heavyweight contender.
With back-to-back knockouts showcasing his elite striking, Jacoby is ready for a step up. Despite a tough stretch from 2022 to 2024, his recent performances prove he’s a threat in the division.
Next up for Dustin Jacoby should be a light heavyweight clash with Volkan Oezdemir. Oezdemir, a top-10 fighter, is coming off a decision loss but has notable knockouts and a striking-heavy style that matches Jacoby’s. This fight promises a stand-up war, pitting Jacoby’s precision and volume against Oezdemir’s explosive power. A victory could push Jacoby into the top 10, a goal he’s been vocal about, and would be a perfect fit for a PPV main card or Fight Night co-main event.
Last Five Fights (Dustin Jacoby):
1. Win over Bruno Lopes – KO (punches), UFC on ESPN: Gamrot vs. Klein (May 31, 2025)
2. Win over Vitor Petrino – KO (punch), UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley (December 14, 2024)
3. Loss to Dominick Reyes – KO (punches), UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov (June 8, 2024)
4. Loss to Alonzo Menifield – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
5. Win over Kennedy Nzechukwu – TKO (punches), UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font (August 5, 2023)
Last Five Fights (Volkan Oezdemir):
1. Loss to Carlos Ulberg – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo (November 23, 2024)
2. Win over Johnny Walker – KO (punch), UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov (June 22, 2024)
3. Win over Bogdan Guskov – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Spivac (September 2, 2023)
4. Loss to Nikit Krylov – Decision (unanimous), UFC 280 (October 22, 2022)
5. Win over Paul Craig – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall (July 23, 2022)
