We’ve already spotlighted the top action on the main card of UFC on ESPN 69 tonight, but there’s plenty to get excited about on the preliminary card as well. Here are a couple of under-the-radar matchups in Atlanta, Georgia that are definitely worth your attention.
Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight)
The featured prelim sees Scotland’s Paul Craig (17-9-1 MMA, 9-9-1 UFC) square off against Brazil’s Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC). This bout was originally slated for last month at the UFC Apex, but was postponed after Bellato withdrew due to illness at the last minute. It now marks Craig’s return to the light heavyweight division following a disappointing stint at middleweight.
After a promising start at 185 pounds, "Bearjew" dropped three straight fights to Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal, prompting a return to his former weight class—where he notably holds a win over current champion Magomed Ankalaev.
Bellato earned his UFC contract in late 2023 with a knockout of Murtaza Talha on Dana White’s Contender Series, then followed up with an impressive finish of Ihor Potieria in his Octagon debut. However, his momentum stalled in February when he fought to a lackluster draw against Jimmy Crute. Like Craig, Bellato is looking to make a statement and reignite his rise up the 205-pound ladder.
Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee (Welterweight)
A clash of seasoned veterans at 170 pounds sees Michael Chiesa (18-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) take on Court McGee (22-13 MMA, 11-12 UFC), winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Season 11.
Since moving up from lightweight in 2018, Chiesa has posted a 6-3 record and remains a constant submission threat, particularly on the ground. With seven rear-naked choke wins, he trails only Demian Maia (nine) for the most in UFC history.
McGee, now 40 years old, is no slouch on the mat himself. He snapped a three-fight losing streak last October with a first-round submission win over Tim Means at UFC 307, and will look to build on that momentum against Chiesa.
Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho (Bantamweight)
Georgia native Malcolm Wellmaker (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) makes his return to the Octagon this weekend after a stunning UFC debut in Kansas City, Missouri, back in April. Nicknamed “The Machine,” Wellmaker made an immediate impact by knocking out Cameron Saaiman in under two minutes, earning himself a $50,000 performance bonus in the process.
This time, Wellmaker faces Kris Moutinho (14-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC), who returns to the promotion after a two-year absence. Moutinho is best known for stepping in on short notice to face Sean O’Malley in his UFC debut in 2021—a bout in which he took a significant beating but gained fan respect for his toughness. Since then, he has rebounded on the regional scene with five straight wins, earning another shot at the UFC spotlight.
