UFC Vegas 122: Allen vs. Duncan continues on the main card with a fight between Otari Tanzilovi and Malcolm Wellmaker in the bantamweight division. Check out our UFC Vegas 122 odds series for our Tanzilovi-Wellmaker prediction and pick.
Otari Tanzilovi (10-2, 0-1 UFC) defeated Guillermo Torres by unanimous decision at Fury FC 101 before losing his UFC debut to Shane Collins by unanimous decision in June. The Georgian needs sharper striking to complement his effective wrestling as he comes into his fight this weekend against Malcolm Wellmaker.
Malcolm Wellmaker (10-2, 2-2 UFC) suffered a second-round rear-naked choke loss to Juan Diaz in May, following a unanimous-decision defeat against Ethyn Ewing last November. Those setbacks ended his unbeaten run and prompted a move to American Top Team for a reset as he comes into his fight this weekend against Otari Tanzilovi.
UFC Vegas 122 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings:
UFC Vegas 122 Odds: Otari Tanzilovi-Malcolm Wellmaker Odds
Otari Tanzilovi: +185
Malcolm Wellmaker: -225
Over 2.5 Rounds: -115
Under 2.5 Rounds: -115
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Otari Tanzilovi Will Win
Otari Tanzilovi can beat Malcolm Wellmaker by making this a mixed martial arts contest rather than a battle of knockout power. His five takedowns against Shane Collins demonstrated a wrestling option that could exploit the defensive problems Wellmaker showed against Juan Diaz.
The key is combining long straight punches with level changes, forcing Wellmaker to defend two threats instead of timing one counter. Tanzilovi’s kicks, knees and attacks to both head and body should help him vary his entries and prevent Wellmaker from settling comfortably.
Wellmaker becomes dangerous when opponents enter carelessly, so Tanzilovi must avoid predictable rushes directly into the American’s powerful right hook during exchanges. Patient combinations followed by clinches could move the action toward the fence, where sustained pressure makes explosive counters harder to deliver consistently.
Once Tanzilovi secures takedowns, he should prioritize position and force Wellmaker to expend energy recovering his feet rather than chasing submissions immediately. Repeated defensive sequences could reduce Wellmaker’s offensive activity, giving Tanzilovi opportunities to build rounds through steady striking, grappling and positional control throughout.
Wellmaker’s recent training changes deserve consideration, but improved wrestling defense remains something he must demonstrate when the cage door closes on Saturday. I favor Tanzilovi by decision, using varied offense and timely takedowns to neutralize power and win rounds.
Why Malcolm Wellmaker Will Win
Malcolm Wellmaker should beat Otari Tanzilovi because his size, range and knockout power give him the tools to dictate striking exchanges. The key is using those advantages patiently, forcing Tanzilovi to cross dangerous territory rather than chasing a finish and surrendering his positioning.
Wellmaker’s counterpunching should become effective when Tanzilovi moves forward, particularly if he times his check hook without relying on it exclusively. Adding jabs and shorter combinations would help him score consistently while keeping the threat of a heavier counter present throughout each round.
Tanzilovi’s wrestling is the obvious obstacle, but Wellmaker’s move to American Top Team offers a meaningful opportunity to address that weakness. The gym’s emphasis on recovering position and returning to the feet could help him avoid spending entire rounds defending from underneath.
That improvement remains unproven, so Wellmaker must show disciplined takedown defense rather than assume a new training environment solves everything immediately. Maintaining distance, protecting his hips and circling away from the fence should make Tanzilovi work harder before securing meaningful grappling control.
Article Continues BelowBoth fighters need a rebound, but Wellmaker has the clearer striking weapons if he can keep this contest upright for sustained stretches. I favor Wellmaker by decision, with cleaner counters and improved defensive positioning separating them over three competitive rounds.
Final Otari Tanzilovi-Malcolm Wellmaker Prediction & Pick
Otari Tanzilovi is my pick to beat Malcolm Wellmaker because his wrestling offers a route around the American’s dangerous counterpunching. Mixing straight punches, kicks and takedown attempts should prevent Wellmaker from focusing exclusively on timing his right hook.
Wellmaker remains especially dangerous early, when Tanzilovi’s forward pressure could create an opening for a decisive counter. Tanzilovi must enter behind combinations rather than charge directly into punching range with his defense exposed.
The fight should favor Tanzilovi if he survives those exchanges and establishes effective grappling pressure. Repeated takedown threats could make Wellmaker hesitate, reducing his offensive output while allowing Tanzilovi to dictate where exchanges occur.
Wellmaker’s move to American Top Team could improve his defensive wrestling, but those improvements remain unproven in competition. He needs disciplined footwork and consistent positional recovery, not simply another opportunity to land one powerful punch.
Expect competitive striking before Tanzilovi’s variety becomes decisive. I favor Tanzilovi by decision after controlling enough grappling exchanges.
Final Otari Tanzilovi-Malcolm Wellmaker Prediction & Pick: Otari Tanzilov (+185), OVER 2.5 Rounds (-115)