UFC Vegas 117: Malcolm Wellmaker Able to Use Ewing Loss in Positive Way

Malcolm Wellmaker, a welterweight prospect, fights Juan Diaz at UFC Vegas 117 after suffering his first professional loss. His previous bout ended with Ethyn Ewing defeating Wellmaker, and Wellmaker now has six months between fights. He describes the extended time off as difficult because he had been competing frequently and wanted to return quickly. After realizing the delay would be longer, he focused on development rather than maximum physical preparation. He worked with coaches on technical improvements, emphasizing mental readiness and studying film. He also continues full-time training, supports teammates in their camps, and spends time on slow technical jiu-jitsu to refine skills.

"It was tough, because last year I competed really frequently, and I was itching to get back in there. I was calling my manager, asking about this date, asking about that date. And after I realized it was going to be a little bit longer, I took advantage of that time. I settled down, I talked to my coaches and we focused on technical improvements. Sharpening the mind instead of going super hard and breaking down the body as if I'm preparing for a fight. So the time turned out ot be very developmental for me."

"It's been crazy because it's not been like the last 30 years of my life. I became an actual full time athlete, I fought frequently on the biggest stages, I made a ton of money, still am compared to what I was. And I got to be active, I got to be relevant, I got to rub shoulders with so many big names and to really get a taste of what it's like to really embrace this new role that I have in my job. And then when things slowed down, believe it or not it still looks so different than it used to."

"I'm still full time training, I'm super committed to my teammates as well, helping them in their camps. I've got a couple young guys that I'm helping develop, and I'm spending a lot of time as an athlete studying film. I'm spending a lot of time doing slow technical jiu-jitsu, slow"

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