Kris Moutinho returns at UFC on ESPN 69, gets undefeated Malcolm Wellmaker on short notice
Kris Moutinho returns at UFC on ESPN 69, gets undefeated Malcolm Wellmaker on short notice
A fan-favorite scrapper is back in the UFC and gets a tough matchup on short notice.
At UFC on ESPN 69, Kris Moutinho gets another shot in the promotion on very short notice, as he will face undefeated Malcolm Wellmaker next weekend. The event takes place on June 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with two sources familiar with the matchup. MMA Mania was first to report the news.
Moutinho (14-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) didn't get his hand raised during his first UFC run, but his fighting style made an impression on fans. In his debut at UFC 264, he faced former champion Sean O'Malley in an incredible Fight of the Night. Moutinho was finished in the third round, but made the most of his debut by leaving it all in the octagon. After his exit from the promotion in 2022, he took one boxing fight, and then got back on track with MMA, winning five fights in a row, all by stoppage.
Wellmaker (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has been quick to make an impression with the UFC fanbase for his finishing ability. In his appearance on Dana White's Contender Series, he finished Adam Bramhald by knockout in the first round to earn a UFC contract. In his debut in April, he knocked out Cameron Saaiman in the opening round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Wellmaker's sophomore appearance takes place in his home state of Georgia, where he will aim to keep his unblemished record intact.
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