Malcolm Wellmaker is ready to continue his rise up the bantamweight ladder.
One of the most promising prospects in the division, Wellmaker (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) continued to impress when he faceplanted Kris Moutinho (14-7 MMA, 0-3 UFC) with a one-punch knockout at UFC on ESPN 69 in June.
After three-straight first-round knockouts and two UFC Performance of the Night bonuses, Wellmaker hopes his next appearance lands on a pay-per-view event.
“I’m not super tied to anything,” Wellmaker told MMA Junkie Radio. “I heard a couple of rumors about possibly making it to the 320 card in October. That would be incredible. If I could get on that undercard, it would be amazing.”
An excited Wellmaker said he dreams of testing himself against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria someday, but sees two realistic options for his next fight.
“I see Ricky Simon’s name get tossed around. I’ve seen Adrian Yanez’s name get tossed around,” Wellmaker said. “I don’t think Payton Talbott will happen anytime soon because he’s also such a big prospect with such potential in front of him. But any of those guys – I would love to fight any of them. I think I’d have a good time.”
