Malcolm Wellmaker’s Right Hook Brought Atlanta to Its Feet
Malcolm Wellmaker knocked out Kris Moutinho at 2:37 of the first round at UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025. The Georgia bantamweight delivered another decisive right hand in front of a supportive State Farm Arena crowd, earning his second UFC victory.
Early connections established the threat
Moutinho tried to advance, but Wellmaker found openings with hooks and briefly stumbled him during the opening minute. Wellmaker then increased his pressure as the exchanges moved toward the fence.
Moutinho attempted a takedown without success before returning to the center. That escape from the fence did not remove the danger posed by Wellmaker’s counterpunching.
A feint set up the finishing right hand
Wellmaker showed a low-kick feint and brought a powerful right hook over the top. The punch sent Moutinho down and ended the contest with more than two minutes remaining in the opening round.
The performance earned Wellmaker a Performance of the Night bonus. His finishing weapon had already become a recurring feature of his arrival in the promotion.
The knockout continued a rapid introduction
Wellmaker earned his contract by knocking out Adam Bramhald on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2024. He followed with a first-round knockout of Cameron Saaiman in April 2025, then stopped Moutinho less than two months later.
Moutinho had returned after five consecutive victories outside the UFC. Against Wellmaker, that comeback ended with another demonstration of the timing and punching power that had driven the unbeaten prospect’s rise.
Sources
- UFC: confirmed Atlanta results and finish times
- Cageside Press: early pressure, defended takedown, feint and right-hook knockout
- UFC: Bramhald, Saaiman and Moutinho finish dates
- UFC: repeated right-hook finishes and Atlanta performance bonus
