Undefeated bantamweight and Contender Series 2024 winner Malcolm Wellmaker made his promotional debut at UFC Kansas City on Saturday, getting a tough first test in Cameron Saaiman.
Saaiman, himself a DWCS alum, was a hot prospect when he entered the UFC after his win on the show in 2022. However, after dropping his last two fights, the South African was looking to right the ship and get back on course.
Round one opened with both fighters exchanging body kicks from range, each trying to find their rhythm. Saaiman was the busier of the two early, mixing in kicks to the body and legs while letting his hands go. Meanwhile, Wellmaker stayed patient, as Saaiman used his movement to stay elusive and avoid any real damage. As Saaiman stepped in behind a right hand, Wellmaker absorbed the shot and immediately fired back with a counter right that landed flush on the chin. Saaiman crumpled to the canvas, and the fight was waved off — a spectacular UFC debut for Malcolm Wellmaker.
After the win, Malcolm Wellmaker called for a quick turnaround. “UFC, Dana White, I don’t know who I gotta talk to but in June you’re going to Atlanta. That’s two hours from my house!”
Official Result: Malcolm Wellmaker def. Cameron Saaiman by knockout (right hook), Round 1, 1:59
