Malcolm Wellmaker makes important career change after back-to-back losses
Malcolm Wellmaker has made a difficult decision following an unexpected skid in his MMA career but now hopes to reinvigorate a run that had previously distinguished as one of the UFC's most hyped-up bantamweight prospects.
Malcolm Wellmaker went from being one of the brightest prospects in the UFC bantamweight division to suddenly being forced to reconsider his current career trajectory. Now, 'The Machine' has taken to Instagram to make an announcement regarding a large change he's making to his MMA career, which he hopes will lead to positive results.
Malcolm Wellmaker changes teams
Malcolm Wellmaker previously trained at Faglier's Mixed Martial Arts, alternatively known as Faglier's Kempo Karate. His coaches there carried him to great success for an MMA upstart. Under their guidance, Wellmaker authored a 9-0 record, including first-round knockouts of Cameron Saaiman at UFC on ESPN 66 and Kris Moutinho at UFC on ESPN 69. Unfortunately, he has since suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ethyn Ewing at UFC 322, and was submitted via second-round rear-naked choke by Juan DÃaz at UFC Fight Night 276.
So, now, Wellmaker has opted to leave Faglier's MMA in favor of American Top Team, a decision he announced with a recent Instagram post:
"An update to all of my family, friends and supporters out there... I have made the decision to move to Florida and become a part of the team at ATT Coconut Creek. I've spent the last few days here practicing with the team and meeting the staff. The training and instruction is world class just like I expected... But the lengths the staff, coaches and athletes have gone to make sure I feel welcome has beyond exceeded my expectations, and that was the true deciding factor for me. It breaks my heart to leave my city, my community, my family and everything I've ever known... but I am in a position where I have to make a change. I will never forget where I came from, Augusta, Georgia, 706, Faglier's Kempo Karate... I love you all forever and this isn't the end. I hope that when it's all said and done I achieve greatness and bring it back to my city, but until then... I got work to do..."
After losing 2 fights in a row Malcolm Wellmaker moves to American Top Team in Florida pic.twitter.com/S5au7ufRne
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 28, 2026
Where Wellmaker goes from here in terms of his MMA trajectory is anyone's guess, but in a division as stacked as bantamweight, making changes he feels are necessary for his future success is imperative.
