After suffering the first loss of his professional career against Ethyn Ewing last year, bantamweight prospect Malcolm Wellmaker had his bounceback fight opposite Juan Diaz at UFC Vegas 117 on Saturday.
Peru’s Diaz was making his promotional debut after winning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last October.
Diaz came out active early, chopping away with kicks to start the fight. He had trouble really landing clean, though, and seemed a bit hesitant to fully commit with Wellmaker’s power in mind. Wellmaker was just as patient, not throwing much unless the opening was there, but when he did, it counted—especially a couple of thudding body kicks that stood out more than anything Diaz was landing.
As the round went on, Wellmaker started to apply a bit more pressure, which pushed Diaz into changing levels for a takedown. Diaz was able to drag Wellmaker down a few times and even score some mat returns, but Wellmaker stayed composed, doing a good job preventing Diaz from threatening the back.
They separated in the closing seconds, and things got chaotic right up to the bell. Diaz actually dropped Wellmaker with a right hand after catching a kick, and as Wellmaker was getting back to his feet, Diaz landed a close illegal knee that came very near impact.
Into round two, Diaz once again caught a kick and fired back with that right hand. He followed it up with a right to the body as Wellmaker continued to fight at a low output. As Wellmaker tried to press forward, Diaz immediately changed levels and secured a quick takedown. He put Wellmaker in a tough position and gradually worked into top control.
Wellmaker eventually fought up to a knee and used the cage to get back to his feet, but Diaz stayed attached, dragged him down again, and took the back. From there, he locked in the rear-naked choke and forced the tap, pulling off a huge upset finish.
Official Result: Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:08
