Malcolm "The Machine" Wellmaker caps off amateur career with Professional Performance.

NFC Bantamweight Champion Malcolm “The Machine” Wellmaker (9-1) won his final amateur fight defending his 135lbs belt against #3 ranked Earl McKinney in via rear naked choke in the 3rd round.

Following the fight, I spoke with the Champion about his thoughts of the fight, his relationship with his Pops and what’s next as he transitions to a professional mixed martial artist. 

The battle between the #1 and #3 Amateur Bantamweights in Georgia took place in front of hundreds of fans at Rush MMA in Macon, Georgia. 

The bout began as a calculated chess match with both fighters feeling each other out. Wellmaker found early success in landing inside leg kicks to Mckinney’s lead leg. Mckinney landed multiple counter strikes into the 2nd round and attempted a few takedowns — all of which the champion scrambled out of. The third round saw another scramble occur where Wellmaker secured a mounted position and landed heavy blows before transitioning to Mckinney’s back, locking in the rear naked choke and the tappet victory. 

In a heartfelt post-fight interview, Wellmaker thanked his girlfriend and son for being the foundation of his success inside the cage saying, “That moment is going to live forever in our relationship, always.”

During our interview, Wellmaker expanded upon his relationship with head coach and manager Jason Faglier Sr. — a man whom he calls ‘Pops’.

“He’s seen me in my darkest times, helped me through it, and has brought out the absolute best in me,” said Wellmaker, who has trained at Faglier’s Kempo Karate in Augusta, Georgia for the the past 5 years.

27-year-old Wellmaker finished his amateur career at 9-1, winning his last 6 fights. He expects to make his professional debut in the summer of 2022. His goal is to fight the ‘Best of the Best’ and to make it to larger promotions such as UFC or Bellator.

Follow Malcolm “The Machine” Wellmaker on IG @wallathemachine