Nikolas Motta, Malcolm Wellmaker, UFC Perth recap, UFC 328 picks

UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra58mMay 5, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Nicholas Mata, the 'Iron Motta,' returns to UFC Unfiltered after a grueling recovery from a fractured jaw that required two surgeries and six weeks of being wired shut. He candidly shares how the injury nearly derailed his career, detailing the pain of being unable to eat, the fear of not being able to breathe, and the mental toll of missing his first fight camp in months. Despite the setbacks, he’s now fully healed and has developed a new mindset—focused on performance over results—and is planning a full fight camp in Phuket, Thailand, to prepare for his next bout. Meanwhile, Malcolm Wellmaker reflects on his last-minute opponent switch to Ethan Ewing, a top-tier contender, and admits the surprise fight exposed flaws in his game that he’s since addressed. He’s now preparing for a high-stakes debut against Juan Diaz, embracing the challenge as a chance to prove his growth. The hosts break down UFC 328 in Newark, delivering bold picks including a second-round stoppage for Cortez Acosta over Volkov, a Sean Brady submission, and a thrilling main event preview between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, where both fighters’ contrasting styles promise fireworks. The episode closes with a celebration of resilience, growth, and the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Key Takeaways
1

Nicholas Mata recovered from a double jaw surgery and six weeks of being wired shut, now fully healed and mentally ready to return to the cage.

2

Mata plans to train in Phuket, Thailand, for his next fight camp to avoid jet lag and maximize performance, especially for fights in Asia.

3

Malcolm Wellmaker used his last-minute fight against Ethan Ewing as a wake-up call, identifying and fixing flaws in his game that he’s now addressing.

4

Wellmaker believes his upcoming fight against Juan Diaz is a perfect opportunity to prove his evolution and put on a 'great show.'

5

The hosts predict Cortez Acosta will stop Volkov in the second round, citing Volkov’s declining takedown defense and Acosta’s explosive power.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Iron Motta’s First-Round Knockout

Iron Motta! The Fader! The Machine! That's on video. I've never been happier. I need for a fucking podcast.

Highlight
2:00
3 min

Nicholas Mata’s Jaw Injury and Recovery

I couldn't wait one more day. I couldn't wait to do that. The only good side about that is that... I got skinny because I was drinking protein shakes all day.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

Mata’s Return to Training and Mental Shift

Mata discusses his cautious return to sparring, his fear of re-injury, and how he’s now focused on performance over results, with a new mindset forged through adversity.

10:00
5 min

Mata’s Thailand Fight Camp Plan

Mata reveals his strategy to train in Phuket for future fight camps to avoid jet lag and prepare in the same time zone as his opponents.

15:00
5 min

Malcolm Wellmaker’s Last-Minute Fight Against Ethan Ewing

I was fighting off of instinct and habit and reverting to the lowest standards that I accept. And a lot of those things did need to be addressed.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Iron Motta! The Fader! The Machine! That's on video. I've never been happier. I need for a fucking podcast.
Jim Norton0:18
Viral: 88.0
I was fighting off of instinct and habit and reverting to the lowest standards that I accept. And a lot of those things did need to be addressed.
Malcolm Wellmaker34:22
Viral: 85.0
I got to take Cortez Acosta. I'm going to give him a second round stoppage over Volkov.
Jim Norton51:41
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

Jim NortonMatt Serra

Guests

Nicholas MataMalcolm Wellmaker
Topics Discussed
ufo 328 picks95%nicholas mata recovery90%malcolm wellmaker fight prep88%jaws surgery in combat sports85%fight camp in thailand82%last minute opponent switch80%chess in combat sports75%vr gaming for fighters70%
People & Brands

jim norton

person

15xNeutral

matt serra

person

14xNeutral

nicholas mata

person

12xPositive

ufc 328

other

12xPositive

malcolm wellmaker

person

10xPositive

ethan ewing

person

6xPositive

juan diaz

person

5xPositive

phuket

place

5xPositive

alexander volkov

person

4xNeutral

cortez acosta

person

4xPositive

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