Wellmaker Will Face Tanzilovi at UFC Vegas 122

Malcolm Wellmaker and Otari Tanzilovi meet in Las Vegas this week.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Wellmaker Will Face Tanzilovi at UFC Vegas 122

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Malcolm Wellmaker will compete against Otari Tanzilovi on October 10, 2026, at UFC Vegas 122 in Las Vegas. Both fighters enter the cage with identical 10-2 professional records.

Why it matters

Wellmaker is looking to rebound after recent setbacks, including a loss to Juan Diaz in May 2026. The matchup serves as a critical test of his new strategic approach following a move to the American Top Team gym.

Malcolm Wellmaker holds a professional record of 10-2, with a 2-2 record in the UFC. His opponent, Otari Tanzilovi, also carries a 10-2 professional record into the matchup.

The players

Malcolm Wellmaker

He is a 32-year-old professional fighter with a 10-2 career record.

Otari Tanzilovi

He is a professional mixed martial artist holding a 10-2 career record.

American Top Team

This is a prominent mixed martial arts training facility where Wellmaker now trains.

Ethyn Ewing

He is a professional fighter who defeated Wellmaker in November 2025.

Juan Diaz

He is a professional fighter who defeated Wellmaker in May 2026.

The details

Wellmaker, 32, joined American Top Team to work with new coaches and refine his tactical mentality after acknowledging he underestimated Ethyn Ewing in their November 2025 bout. He plans to maintain an aggressive style throughout the upcoming Las Vegas fight.

November 2025: Wellmaker lost to Ethyn Ewing.
2024: Wellmaker earned a UFC contract.
May 2026: Wellmaker lost to Juan Diaz.
October 10, 2026: UFC Vegas 122 occurs.

Season Trajectory

This bout marks a potential turning point for Wellmaker within the competitive UFC landscape. A victory would help him stabilize his position in the division and recover from two recent losses that disrupted his career momentum.

Wellmaker currently holds a 2-2 record in the UFC, making this fight pivotal for his long-term tenure in the organization. He is shifting his mentality to be more strategic to avoid repeating the errors that led to his previous two professional defeats.

The takeaway

Wellmaker is actively attempting to reshape his professional narrative by adopting a more calculated approach to his training and in-cage strategy. Fighters frequently make these adjustments when moving to elite training camps to regain their competitive edge.