Malcolm Wellmaker Turns Frustration Into Fuel After First UFC Loss

© Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesThere was nothing charming about Malcolm Wellmaker’s third appearance in the UFC last fall. After back-to-back first-round knockouts to open his promotional run, Wellmaker’s third fight was expected to be more of the same another violent statement from one of the division’s rising finishers. Instead, a chaotic week of opponent changes altered everything.

With Serhiy Sidey and Cody Haddon both withdrawing the latter during fight week Wellmaker accepted a short-notice matchup against Ethyn Ewing. Despite entering as a heavy favorite, Wellmaker was taken the distance and handed the first loss of his professional career in one of the year’s biggest shocks at UFC 322.…