Popular fighter Kris Moutinho is set to make his return to the UFC.
Following a brief two-fight run with the promotion from 2021 to 2022, which included a memorable battle against Sean O’Malley, the 32-year-old bantamweight is making his comeback at UFC Atlanta on June 14th. He is scheduled to face local favorite Malcolm Wellmaker.
Multiple sources familiar with the promotion`s plans confirmed this development, which was initially reported by MMA Mania.
Despite concluding his previous UFC tenure with an 0-2 record, Moutinho left a strong impression due to his toughness and relentless fighting spirit in the cage. His 2021 bout against O’Malley was a notable war, ultimately ending in a late third-round stoppage loss before he fell to Guido Cannetti prior to his UFC release.
Since his UFC departure, Moutinho has rebounded impressively on the regional circuit, securing five consecutive victories, all finishing before reaching the judges` scorecards.
His return bout pits him against one of the promotion`s rising talents, Malcolm Wellmaker, who made a significant splash by earning his contract with a devastating knockout on the Contender Series.
Currently undefeated in nine professional fights, Wellmaker delivered a jaw-dropping performance in his Octagon debut in April, finishing Cameron Saaiman in less than two minutes. Following that win, Wellmaker expressed his desire to compete at UFC Atlanta due to being a Georgia native, though it initially appeared his wish might not be granted.
That has now changed, with the Wellmaker vs. Moutinho matchup being added as a late addition to the UFC Atlanta card. The event is headlined by a five-round main event featuring former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman against Joaquin Buckley.
