- Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Juan Diaz: A Thrilling Encounter
- UFC Vegas 117 Preview
- Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
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On May 16, 2026, Malcolm Wellmaker is set to clash with Juan Diaz at UFC Vegas 117. The initial odds show Wellmaker at -274 and Diaz at +234.
Known as “The Machine,” Malcolm Wellmaker aims to improve his impressive record of 10 wins and 1 loss. At 31 years old and weighing 135 lbs, he stands tall at 5’10” with a reach of 71 inches. His opponent, Juan “Pegajoso” Diaz, is 27 years old, measures 5’8″, and is also fighting at 135 lbs. Diaz boasts a record of 15 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with a reach of 69 inches. In terms of striking output, Wellmaker averages 5.80 significant strikes per minute, closely followed by Diaz at 5.82. Wellmaker has a striking accuracy of 56%, while Diaz has a lower rate at 39%. In defense, Wellmaker absorbs 5.39 significant strikes per minute, whereas Diaz allows 5.02. Wellmaker manages to defend against 52% of incoming strikes, while Diaz has a higher defense rate at 60%.
| UFC Vegas 117 Overview | Malcolm Wellmaker | Juan Diaz |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | -274 | +234 |
| Current Record | 10-1-0 | 15-1-1 |
| Average Fight Duration | 5:31 | 9:58 |
| Height | 5’10” | 5’8″ |
| Weight Class | 135 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Reach | 71″ | 69″ |
| Strikes Landed/Minute | 5.80 | 5.82 |
| Striking Precision | 56% | 39% |
When it comes to wrestling, Wellmaker is less effective, managing only 0.80 takedowns per 3 rounds with a success rate of 15%, while defending against 57% of his opponents’ attempts. On the other hand, Diaz achieves a 33% success rate on takedown attempts and stops 15% of takedowns against him. In terms of submission attempts, Wellmaker averages 0.7 submissions per 15 minutes, while Diaz attempts 0.9 submissions per 3 rounds.
In his previous match, Wellmaker faced Ethyn Ewing, suffering a unanimous decision defeat in the third round. During this bout, Ewing successfully landed 99 of 179 total strikes, while Wellmaker managed to connect with 82 out of 151. Specifically, Ewing landed 85 significant strikes out of 163 attempts, achieving a success rate of 52%, with 70 of those aimed at the head. Conversely, Wellmaker landed 52% of his significant strikes, connecting on 77 out of 146, including 35 to the head. Notably, 78% of Ewing’s and 68% of Wellmaker’s strikes were executed from a distance.
In his latest fight, Juan Diaz squared off against Kwon Wonil, winning with a spectacular spinning back elbow in round 2. Wonil landed 98% of his significant strikes from a distance, matching Diaz’s striking range. Diaz successfully connected on 39% of his attempts, landing 58 out of 146 significant strikes, including 47 aimed at the head. Conversely, Wonil struck 50 out of 127 total attempts, placing 35 of them toward the head. In total strikes, Wonil landed 52 out of 130, while Diaz connected on 74 of 162 in total.
Additional Fights to Look Out For
Another highly anticipated matchup features Timmy Cuamba battling Benardo Sopaj. Cuamba seeks to bolster his record of 10-3-0 and comes in at 5’9″, weighing 135 lbs and having a reach of 71″. Sopaj, on the other hand, stands at 5’6″, weighing 135 lbs, and also aiming for a win to elevate his record of 12-3-0, with a reach of 66″. In terms of grappling, Cuamba takes his opponents down 1.31 times every 15 minutes, while Sopaj averages 2.53 takedowns per 3 rounds. Cuamba manages to land 2.77 strikes per minute with an accuracy of 44%, while Sopaj connects with 56% of his strikes at an average of 4.24 per minute.
If you’re tuning in for the matches, don’t miss Khaos Williams going up against Nikolay Veretennikov. With a record of 14-7-0, Veretennikov is 36 years old, weighing 170 lbs and standing 6’1″ tall, boasting a reach of 74″. Williams, looking to improve his record of 15-5-0, is 32 years old, weighs 170 lbs, and is 6′ tall with a reach of 77″. Veretennikov stops 62% of takedown attempts against him and completes 16% of his own, while Williams executes a takedown on 15% of tries and defends against 51% of incoming attempts. In striking metrics, Veretennikov absorbs 3.30 strikes per minute, whereas he lands 2.69 strikes. Williams incurs 5.39 strikes per minute while landing an impressive 4.94.
Who’s your pick for tonight’s UFC matchup?
Prediction: Back Malcolm Wellmaker (-274)
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