Malcolm Wellmaker has already made fairly a reputation for himself within the UFC with three blistering knockouts to begin his profession with the promotion, together with a shocking first-round end over Kris Moutinho in his most up-to-date outing in June.
The undefeated prospect demolished Moutinho inside three minutes to enhance his general document to 10-0 however that win additionally received him numerous consideration he didn’t essentially anticipate. Again in 2021, Moutinho grew to become a little bit of fan favourite following a gutsy efficiency towards Sean O’Malley the place he displayed unbelievable toughness and an almost impenetrable chin.
O’Malley in the end completed the struggle with a standing TKO within the third spherical however watching Wellmaker faceplant the identical opponent already had some followers asking for that matchup towards the previous UFC bantamweight champion.
“To see the names that persons are already evaluating me to,” Wellmaker mentioned concerning the potential O’Malley struggle. “Individuals are asking my opinion on Merab [Dvalishvili] and it’s extremely flattering. I really like how a lot I’ve impressed folks with the performances that I’ve given.
“I believe one of many issues that makes combating so enjoyable, if you go on the market and also you give folks what they need, matchups like these develop into an actual factor that folks would like to see, that folks would like to tune into. I don’t know that I’ve earned a shot at anyone with such a reputation however it’s nonetheless an enormous praise.”
As unlikely as plainly he’ll really land O’Malley as an opponent, Wellmaker understands why followers are keen on seeing that struggle occur.
With the frequent opponent between them and Wellmaker changing into one of many quickest rising stars on the complete UFC roster, he appreciates that O’Malley is already on his radar.
“[Kris Moutinho] gained his notoriety from Sean O’Malley, one of many largest names and top-of-the-line knockout artists that the bantamweight division has seen,” Wellmaker mentioned. “So it was solely pure that my efficiency be in comparison with his.
“So to go on the market and do it in two and a half minutes, 25 strikes versus over 200 [strikes for O’Malley], it’s a feather within the cap and it’s a praise I gladly settle for.”
Wellmaker acknowledges he nonetheless has work to do in the case of moving into the rankings and dealing his means up the ladder towards the elite fighters within the bantamweight division.
That mentioned, he couldn’t have imagined a greater begin to his UFC profession with three first spherical knockouts in a row (together with his victory on The Contender Sequence). These sorts of performances should not solely making Wellmaker in style amongst followers however he expects that must also lead to larger and higher alternatives.
“I believe the course of my final three fights is ideal,” Wellmaker mentioned. “I knock out Adam Bramhald, who is just not essentially a recognized man. I get Cameron Saaiman, who’s revered and proficient and at one of many highest degree camps on the earth. Knock him out. Then it’s like give him Kris Moutinho and see if he can knock him out. I am going on the market and all people has a great time seeing it. I believe folks wish to see me struggle these family names now.”
Not a lot for callouts, Wellmaker isn’t essentially pointing his finger at anybody explicit opponent however he plans to remain as busy because the UFC will maintain him.
Greater than something, Wellmaker is grateful that he really has time to consider that now after he stop his full time job as a welder and pipefitter to totally concentrate on combating.
That call got here after Wellmaker’s UFC debut earned him a $50,000 bonus, though he admits there have been some folks skeptical about that call. It positively paid off, nevertheless, as a result of Wellmaker scored one other $50,000 bonus for his newest win as nicely.
“There was numerous questions on whether or not it was too early for me to make such a call,” Wellmaker mentioned about quitting his job. “Even earlier than the struggle, the media was following up with a few of these questions on what it appears to be like like and what’s the trail transferring ahead.
“My reply was that I used to be betting on myself. It paid off. It actually did.”
