Amidst a lively audience at the T-Mobile Center located in Kansas City, Malcolm Wellmaker, a local from Augusta, demonstrated his prowess. Wellmaker, who practices at Faglier’s Mixed Martial Arts facility near Bobby Jones, effectively stunned the UFC with his impressive display. Notably, this performance was his official entrance into the UFC, following his notable stance in the contender series back in August.
In the projected duration of 2.5 rounds against his opponent Cameron Saaiman from South Africa, Wellmaker, known as ‘The Machine,’ surprisingly pulled off a dazzling stunt. He surprised everyone, including the bookmakers, by delivering a decisive knockout punch only 2 minutes into the first round. This remarkable fight marked the start of his professional journey with the UFC, being the inaugural bout of a four-fight contract.
Sharing his surprise at the swift win, Wellmaker commented, ‘I didn’t anticipate such an early resolution. I expected him to seek a takedown. Instead, he presented precisely what I had been aiming for, offering a spectacle to the audience.’ That victory maintains Wellmaker’s undefeated position, boasting a stellar 9-0 record in the bantamweight category (135lbs).
Possessing grand aspirations, Wellmaker eyes an event closer to his home turfs. He said, ‘Come June, you’ll be in Atlanta which is merely a two-hour drive from my residence. Let’s make it a reality.’ Following his triumphant debut and exhilarating victory, Wellmaker shared his emotions during the post-match press conference.
Recounting the emotional moment after his win where he knelt down, Wellmaker shared, ‘I was not under the compulsion to defeat him in order to realize my dream. I was already living it. What occurred next still leaves me in disbelief. I struggle to comprehend the incredible position I am in at the moment.’
In what seemed to be an important personal moment to him, he made sure to give his hometown, Augusta, a deserving acknowledgment. ‘To be able to glorify Augusta through such a performance and its declaration following my win, regardless of my career progress from here—this alone is inestimable.’