The ‘Machine' Set to Fight Furious Striker at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa
UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa is on the books for all the bookies placing bets in Las Vegas for a UFC rumble that promises multiple fighting spectacles! One such spectacle will take place between Malcolm Wellmaker and Juan Diaz. Both fighters will make the Men’s Bantamweight Division proud, as this will also be Diaz’s second fight within the UFC sphere. Wellmaker looks to throw out nasty strikes, but could help Diaz learn more about what to expect within this storied sport. Wellmaker’s nickname, ‘The Machine,’ can be attributed to his machine-like approach to finishing most of his fights quickly.
‘The Machine’ is currently sitting at 31-years-old and is the older of the two fighters within this matchup. He has finished most of his fights by knockout alone. Also, Wellmaker has yet to make a submission victory during his time with the UFC. He could do so during this fight, but it is unlikely. As stated above, he does finish his fights quicker than his opponent, but in half the time, which means the power behind most of his strikes carries significant force. On top of this fact, ‘The Machine’ is more accurate when landing his strikes than his younger opponent. However, the 31-year-old does have to sacrifice some of his defensive posture from positioning himself for these knockout blows.
Diaz, being 27 years old himself, is definitely holding that advantage coming into this fight. Also, he tends to have a defensive posture that would make him absorb fewer blows than his opponent. Furthermore, the furious striker has been going for more takedown attempts during his time outside the UFC. With this being his second fight, it’s likely Diaz is more open to developing those techniques further. If he does so, the 27-year-old may learn why standing positions are more favored by his older opponent. This is because it may leave him open to strikes that could prove disastrous, especially if his head isn't protected during a single-leg takedown, for example.
Wellmaker is selected to win this fight by knockout when all stats are considered. There is no dispute either because he is used to the rules of the environment he is in and the competition found within the Men’s Bantamweight Division. If the 31-year-old weren’t, Wellmaker wouldn't have won four of his past five fights. He could succumb to a takedown attempt made by Diaz, but it won’t take place unless he falters heavily on perceiving it before it happens. The reason is largely due to his takedown defense being more developed than that of the young upstart.
The likelihood of this match going to Diaz is slim, and it's decided who will win this fight. This isn’t to say anything negative about the 27-year-old fighter, but instead to give credit where it’s due. That credit is being given to the 31-year-old fighter himself. This fight is more so the younger fighter’s debut into the division, whereas this is the older fighter’s further career step into moving up in the rankings. The best way to know if he does will be if one streams this fight through Paramount+ by 8:00 p.m. EDT!
