Dustin Jacoby Record: 22-9-1

The UFC return and light heavyweight run

Jacoby earned his way back to the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series, beating Ty Flores in 2020. His second tenure has been far more productive: he opened with a first-round TKO of Justin Ledet in 2020, then strung together results against Maxim Grishin, a draw with Ion Cutelaba, and finishes of Darren Stewart and Da Woon Jung. The competition stiffened from there, with losses to Khalil Rountree Jr., Azamat Murzakanov and a brutal first-round knockout by Dominick Reyes in 2024. To his credit, Jacoby has answered each setback: he stopped Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2023, knocked out previously unbeaten prospect Vitor Petrino in late 2024, flattened Bruno Lopes in the first round in 2025, and opened 2026 with a TKO of Julius Walker.

Fighting style

Jacoby is a kickboxer first, and it shows in a record built on knockouts — 15 of his 22 wins have come by KO or TKO, a finishing rate north of 70 percent. His length, sharp jab, leg kicks and counter-heavy boxing make him a problem on the feet, and his veteran composure lets him climb off the canvas of adversity to finish fading opponents late. The honest knocks against him are a thin submission game and durability questions at the very top of the division, where wrestling-heavy and explosive opponents have found success. Still, his blend of striking polish and resilience has made him a durable, dangerous light heavyweight.

Career highlights

• Contender Series redemption — reinvented himself after an 0-2 first UFC stint, earning his way back through Dana White's Contender Series in 2020 and becoming a fixture of the light heavyweight division.
• Knockout artist — 15 of his 22 wins have come by KO/TKO, including finishes of unbeaten prospects Vitor Petrino and Bruno Lopes.
• Dual-sport striker — competed at a high level in professional kickboxing, including Glory, sharing the ring with the likes of future UFC champion Alex Pereira.