UFC Fight Night: Malcolm Wellmaker vs Otari Tanzilovi Preview & Prediction

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Two bantamweights in need of a resetting result open the main card, Malcolm Wellmaker looks to snap a two-fight skid against Georgian striker Otari Tanzilovi.

Malcolm Wellmaker vs Otari Tanzilovi facts

What time are Malcolm Wellmaker and Otari Tanzilovi expected to walk out? 11 October 2026 at 1:15 am

Where is UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan? Meta Apex, Enterprise, USA

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 290

What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Paramount

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and HBO Max / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan main card

Brendan Allen vs Christian Leroy Duncan (Middleweight)

Matheus Camilo vs Jai Herbert (Lightweight)

Loopy Godinez vs Ketlen Souza (Women's Strawweight)

Andre Fili vs Kai Kamaka III (Featherweight)

Malcolm Wellmaker vs Otari Tanzilovi (Bantamweight)

UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Duncan prelims

Julius Walker vs Gerald Meerschaert (Light Heavyweight)

Francisco Prado vs Ismael Bonfim (Lightweight)

Niko Price vs Leon Shahbazyan (Welterweight)

Felipe Franco vs Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight)

Allen Frye Jr. vs RJ Harris (Heavyweight)

Alice Pereira vs Darya Zheleznyakova (Women's Bantamweight)

Ernesta Kareckaite vs Melissa Gatto (Women's Flyweight)

Malcolm Wellmaker: “The Machine” searches for his spark

Malcolm Wellmaker (10-2) looked like one of the most dangerous prospects at bantamweight after first-round finishes of Cameron Saaiman and Kris Moutinho, but he has since suffered two unexpected setbacks. He dropped a decision to Ethyn Ewing up at featherweight, which in hindsight wasn’t a bad loss given how talented Ewing is, then was taken down five times and choked out by Juan Diaz in May. To his credit, he’s since moved camp to American Top Team rather than staying stagnant. Wellmaker carries serious power, a dangerous right hook, sharp set-ups for his big shots, a good calf kick and strong clinch work. However, he’s been far too patient lately, fighting at his opponent’s pace.

Otari Tanzilovi: Georgian striker looking for his first UFC win

Otari Tanzilovi (10-2) built his record largely in his native Georgia, with most of his wins coming by knockout, before coming up short against Shane Collins on his UFC debut in June. He’s a well-rounded striker who works at range behind a long 1-2, mixes kicks and knees into his game, and spreads his attacks to the head and body. Rather than throwing in combinations, he prefers to sit back and counter, using his speed to pick his moments. He’s also tough to take down, and showed against Collins that he can mix in his own wrestling when necessary.

Malcolm Wellmaker vs Otari Tanzilovi prediction

If this fight had been booked before the Diaz loss, Wellmaker would be an even bigger favourite than he is currently. Though at the price he is at right now, it feels a touch steep for a man who looks like he’s lost confidence. This one is more mental than technical.

If Wellmaker imposes himself and doesn’t get too patient, he has the power and set-ups to slow Tanzilovi down and disrupt his rhythm, Tanzilovi hasn’t really faced anyone who hits like this. Tanzilovi’s preference for single shots and counters also gives Wellmaker plenty of windows to find a right hook, but if Wellmaker waits for the fight to come to him, as he did against Ewing and Diaz, Tanzilovi’s speed and accuracy could see him pile up the points.

The wrestling could be a wildcard – Tanzilovi is primarily a striker, but he landed five takedowns against Collins, and Diaz showed how vulnerable Wellmaker is once the fight hits the mat. Wellmaker will need to keep his back off the fence and make Tanzilovi pay for any lazy level changes.

There’s a lot of unknown here, and so much rests on how Wellmaker has handled his two losses. I’ll lean towards him getting his mojo back and landing that dangerous right hook.

Prediction: Malcolm Wellmaker to win by KO/TKO