Malcolm Wellmaker has been relishing the aftermath of his UFC contract win at Dana White’s Contender Sequence 69, as a result of the highway to get there wasn’t straightforward.
Wellmaker (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is just not the product of a serious fitness center or a lineage of outstanding MMA fighters. He comes from a small staff at Faglier’s MMA out of Augusta, Ga., and is the primary athlete from his squad to make it massive on the UFC stage. He introduced his arrival in emphatic vogue, too.
Wellmaker scored a devastating first-round knockout of Adam Bramhald at DWCS 69 that satisfied the UFC boss to signal him to a contract, and the end was so spectacular it landed at No. 7 on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” High 10 performs.
It’s removed from frequent for anybody from Wellmaker’s area to get a nationwide highlight, particularly in fight sports activities. It has resonated together with his group, and Wellmaker felt the love from the second he returned house from Las Vegas.
“They did a shock for me on the airport,” Wellmaker informed MMA Junkie. “I didn’t know anyone was going to be there, however I got here by way of the doorways and all of the individuals working on the airport have been smiling. I simply thought it was day, however they knew. I walked by way of the doorways to go to baggage declare, and there was a ton of individuals there screaming for me. That they had indicators with my face on it and all the things. That was a completely magical second. Then the next day I ended up at my native baseball stadium, and so they let me do a primary pitch. They acquired a jersey for me. Put my title on the again. It’s been insane.”
The appreciation of his accomplishment didn’t cease there.
“I went to Walgreens the subsequent day to attempt to get some canvas prints performed, and the woman acknowledged me, and he or she actually simply entered a value for them,” Wellmaker mentioned. “She didn’t even give me a proportion low cost. Simply entered the value and acquired me an enormous low cost and informed me she was pleased with me and took an image with me. It’s been superior.”
Staying humble
Though the celebration of his UFC signing touched him immensely, Wellmaker mentioned the flurry of consideration and admiration hasn’t gone to his head. He went again to coaching simply two days after his victory. Wellmaker has a bunch of up-and-coming fighters who share the identical ambition he simply achieved.
Wellmaker is likely to be the primary from his space to achieve the UFC, however he has no intention of being the final. It’s now confirmed that somebody who comes from his spot can attain probably the most outstanding group in MMA. After being informed by many individuals it couldn’t be performed, Wellmaker is now a constructive instance.
“There was lots of people – who I believe they thought that they had my greatest pursuits in thoughts – making an attempt to persuade me that I wanted to be elsewhere if I truly wished to attain my potential,” Wellmaker mentioned. “The fitness center I’m at at present is similar fitness center that taught me find out how to throw my very first punch seven, eight years in the past.
“It meant one thing to me to have the ability to contribute one thing to the title, to have the ability to put the UFC banner on our fitness center, and I believe it’s only a nice demonstration of loyalty and love that I’ve for my staff.”
‘That’s my subsequent dream’
Now that he’s formally a part of the UFC roster, Wellmaker is able to make some noise. At 30, he’s on the older finish of expertise UFC boss White has traditionally said he’s seeking to signal, however the violent knockout at DWCS 69 paired with an undefeated report made it too arduous to withstand.
It shouldn’t be lengthy till the ceiling of Wellmaker’s potential is found. The UFC bantamweight division is arguably the deepest and most talent-filled within the firm, and that actuality is just not misplaced on Wellmaker.
“(Earlier than) I regarded on the division as competitors however wasn’t as actual as it’s at present,” Wellmaker mentioned. “After I take into consideration what my profession path seems like, and I take into consideration these guys I can combat – it’s each scary and thrilling as a result of there’s a lot expertise within the 135 division that its checklist of fellows I might combat, and it’s going to be entertaining. It’s going to be enjoyable.
“I really feel like no matter who wins the combat, which I anticipate it to be me – I believe the followers will probably be completely happy. I believe Dana will probably be completely happy, and I believe our careers transfer ahead regardless. There’s lots of guys that I’m very excited to get put into the cage with.”
Wellmaker mentioned he’s been ready eagerly and with pleasure for the telephone to ring together with his first official UFC project. He doesn’t have a lot in the way in which of requests by way of opponent, however he would love the chance to capitalize on his momentum from DWCS and schedule his octagon debut by the top of the 12 months.
He’s able to conform to any matchup UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby and his supervisor, Jason Home of Iridium Sports activities Company, deem most becoming for his debut. But when there’s any bucket checklist merchandise Wellmaker hopes involves fruition and that he can cross off, it’s having Joe Rogan within the commentary sales space.
“Having (Daniel Cormier) commentate on of my card was loopy – so I believe now I wish to begin assembly extra individuals within the UFC,” Wellmaker mentioned. “I wish to combat in entrance of Joe Rogan. That’s my subsequent dream. I don’t actually care the place, however Joe Rogan’s on the want checklist. I might love for DC to commentate on me once more, too. He’s a tremendous individual.”
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