TLDR
- Malcolm Wellmaker faces Otari Tanzilovi on the UFC Vegas 122 main card in a bantamweight bout
- Wellmaker has lost two straight fights and recently moved to American Top Team for a fresh start
- Tanzilovi lost his UFC debut to Shane Collins but showed strong wrestling with five takedowns
- Wellmaker opens as the betting favorite at -225 while Tanzilovi sits at +185
- Both fighters need a win to avoid sliding further down the bantamweight rankings
Sources: clutchpoints.com | sports.betmgm.com | sports.yahoo.com
Malcolm Wellmaker and Otari Tanzilovi will face off at UFC Vegas 122 this Saturday, with both bantamweights desperate to end losing streaks that have stalled their careers.
Wellmaker enters the bout as the betting favorite at -225 according to DraftKings, while Tanzilovi comes in as the underdog at +185. The over/under for the fight is set at 2.5 rounds with equal odds of -115 on both sides.
The American fighter Wellmaker holds a 10-2 overall record but is currently 2-2 in the UFC. He suffered a second-round rear-naked choke loss to Juan Diaz in May, which followed a unanimous decision defeat against Ethyn Ewing last November.
UFC VEGAS 122 PREDICTIONS🥊
• Brendan Allen ML (By Finish)
• Matheus Camilo ML (By Finish)
• Ketlen Souza ML (By Dec)
• Andre Fili ML (By Dec)
• Otar Tanzilovi ML (By Finish)
• Gerald Meerschaert (By Finish)
• Francisco Prado ML (By Finish)
• Leon Shahbazyan ML (By Sub… pic.twitter.com/ypVqzqiCO1— PepMotion (@PepMotionn) October 8, 2026
Those two consecutive losses ended an unbeaten run for Wellmaker. In response, he made a major change by moving his training to American Top Team.
Tanzilovi Looks to Build on Wrestling Success
Tanzilovi brings a 10-2 record into the fight but is 0-1 in the UFC. The Georgian fighter defeated Guillermo Torres by unanimous decision at Fury FC 101 before joining the promotion.
He lost his UFC debut to Shane Collins by unanimous decision in June. Despite the loss, Tanzilovi managed to secure five takedowns against Collins, showing his wrestling ability at the UFC level.
The fight presents a classic striker versus grappler matchup. Wellmaker possesses dangerous knockout power, especially with his right hook, which makes him a threat whenever the fight stays standing.
Tanzilovi’s path to victory likely involves mixing his striking with wrestling. His ability to change levels and shoot for takedowns could neutralize Wellmaker’s power striking.
Training Camp Changes Could Prove Critical
Wellmaker’s move to American Top Team represents his attempt to address defensive wrestling problems. The gym is known for its strong grappling programs and ability to develop well-rounded fighters.
However, these improvements remain untested in competition. Saturday’s fight will reveal whether the training camp change has fixed the defensive gaps that Juan Diaz exploited in their May encounter.
Tanzilovi must avoid rushing carelessly into exchanges where Wellmaker can land counters. His strategy should involve patient combinations and clinch work to set up his takedown attempts.
Wellmaker’s size and range advantages give him tools to control the distance if he fights patiently. His counterpunching could be effective when Tanzilovi moves forward to close the distance.
Both fighters face pressure to perform after recent setbacks. Another loss could push either man further from contention in the crowded bantamweight division.
The bout takes place on the main card of UFC Vegas 122, which is headlined by Allen vs. Duncan. The fight gives both men a chance to prove they belong in the UFC’s competitive 135-pound weight class.
