In the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts (MMA), some fighters catch the eye of fans and experts alike due to their exceptional skill set and unique journey into the sport. Malcolm “Walla” Wellmaker is one such fighter. With an undefeated record and a promising career ahead, Wellmaker is an up-and-coming talent likely to make waves in the UFC soon. In a recent interview on the Couch Warrior Podcast, Wellmaker shared his journey from being a music producer to an MMA fighter and how he’s achieved success relatively quickly.
UFC Hopeful Malcom Wellmaker Talks MMA Career
Before his MMA career, Wellmaker had a passion for music.
“I was a producer, man. I made beats alongside rapping… I even worked with Chief Keef. But I left it alone a long time ago,” he reveals.
His love for music and producing was evident, but MMA soon took center stage in his life. Unlike many MMA fighters who start their training at a young age, Wellmaker didn’t step into a gym until he was twenty-two.
“A lot of people don’t know how old I am because I look young, but 22, I walked into the gym I train at now, and that was the first experience I’ve had with any combat sports” Wellmaker shared.
He had never participated in wrestling, boxing, or karate before. His interest in MMA was sparked by watching Conor McGregor‘s fights, which he became infatuated with in 2017. Wellmaker freely admits that his initial inspiration came solely from Conor McGregor.
“All day, all day like bro, I’m telling you, I watched nobody but Conor McGregor,” he said.
While many might argue that understanding the history and the greats of MMA is essential, Wellmaker took a different approach.
“I’m no history fanatic when it comes to MMA, man. I was casual and somewhat still am to be honest,” he added.
The Power of Natural Talent
One of the standout features of Wellmaker’s fighting style is his knockout power, which is particularly impressive for his weight class.
When asked about this, Wellmaker attributed it to natural talent. “From the jump, man, I was hitting hard and I, and it was just, like I said, a God-given thing I had,” he explained. However, he also mentioned that he has been training to better deliver power in his shots.
Despite his natural talent, Wellmaker admitted that composure was something he struggled with initially.
“One of the biggest things I used to struggle with was composure and looking clean because, man, you put leather on somebody and like now you just like, you wanna feel it again and get your licks in,” he shared.
The Road to the UFC
With a record of seven wins and no losses as a pro, Wellmaker is ready for the next step in his career.
His manager, Jason House, has been keeping him in the loop, advising him to “keep the weight low, stay ready and wait for a phone call.”
While Wellmaker is open to fighting anyone, he expressed particular interest in facing Payton Talbott, a fellow striker he sees as a similar talent to himself.
Wellmaker’s journey from a music producer to an undefeated MMA prospect is nothing short of inspiring. With his natural talent, dedication, and the support of his tight-knit team, Wellmaker is poised to make a significant impact in the UFC. As he continues to train and wait for his shot, MMA fans around the world should keep an eye out for this rising star. Whether it’s in the UFC or another major organization, it’s clear that Wellmaker is ready to make waves in the MMA world.
In a recent episode of the Couch Warrior Podcast, host Mike welcomed Charalampos Grigoriou, who recently won a contract during season 7 of Dana White's Contender Series after knocking out Cameron Smotherman one minute into the fight. The conversation delved into Grigoriou's martial arts journey, his feelings on representing Cyprus and Greece, and future plans.
