UFC Vegas 117: Malcolm Wellmaker Suffers Shock Defeat, Subbed by Juan Diaz

Malcolm Wellmaker returned after his first professional loss, facing promotional debutant Juan Diaz at UFC Vegas 117. Diaz started actively with kicks, but struggled to land clean and showed hesitation against Wellmaker’s power. Wellmaker stayed patient, landing more impactful body kicks while Diaz managed takedown attempts and mat returns without threatening the back. Late in round one, Diaz dropped Wellmaker with a right hand, then landed a close illegal knee near the bell. In round two, Diaz again caught a kick and struck with a right hand, then changed levels for a quick takedown. Diaz worked to top control, dragged Wellmaker down again, took the back, locked in a rear-naked choke, and forced the tap at 4:08.

"Diaz came out active early, chopping away with kicks to start the fight. He had trouble really landing clean, though, and seemed a bit hesitant to fully commit with Wellmaker's power in mind. Wellmaker was just as patient, not throwing much unless the opening was there, but when he did, it counted-especially a couple of thudding body kicks that stood out more than anything Diaz was landing."

"As the round went on, Wellmaker started to apply a bit more pressure, which pushed Diaz into changing levels for a takedown. Diaz was able to drag Wellmaker down a few times and even score some mat returns, but Wellmaker stayed composed, doing a good job preventing Diaz from threatening the back. They separated in the closing seconds, and things got chaotic right up to the bell."

"Into round two, Diaz once again caught a kick and fired back with that right hand. He followed it up with a right to the body as Wellmaker continued to fight at a low output. As Wellmaker tried to press forward, Diaz immediately changed levels and secured a quick takedown. He put Wellmaker in a tough position and gradually worked into top control."

"Wellmaker eventually fought up to a knee and used the cage to get back to his feet, but Diaz stayed attached, dragged him down again, and took the back. From there, he locked in the rear-naked choke and forced the tap, pulling off a huge upset finish. Official Result: Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:08"

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