Malcolm Wellmaker`s powerful right hand, which previously earned him a UFC contract, has now secured his first victory inside the Octagon.
Making a spectacular debut in the bantamweight division at UFC Kansas City on Saturday, the 30-year-old fighter needed less than two minutes to land a devastating right hook that sent his opponent, Cameron Saaiman, to the canvas.
Wellmaker displayed aggression from the outset, actively pursuing Saaiman and cutting off the cage. When Saaiman tried to create distance by punching from the fence, Wellmaker deftly slipped the incoming strike and countered effectively, landing a clean shot directly on Saaiman`s chin, causing the immediate knockdown.
The fight was officially stopped at 1:59 of the first round.
This latest finishing performance was remarkably similar to how Wellmaker earned his spot in the UFC through Dana White`s Contender Series last August. In that fight, “The Machine” also secured a first-round finish, stopping Adam Bramhald in just over two minutes with a powerful right hook. Wellmaker`s professional record now stands at an impressive 9-0.
Conversely, Cameron Saaiman`s UFC journey has hit a tough patch. After starting his promotional career with three straight wins, he is now on a downward trend, having suffered three consecutive losses.
