Sleeper Fights You Need to Watch on the UFC Atlanta Undercard

Published by Paul Browne on June 14, 2025

From Bearjew’s Return to Wellmaker’s Rise: UFC Atlanta Prelims Preview

While the main card of UFC on ESPN 69 is loaded with big names and high-stakes bouts, savvy MMA fans know the preliminary lineup in Atlanta, Georgia is packed with sleepers that could easily produce Fight of the Night contenders. From rising prospects to veteran showdowns, here’s a closer look at three must-watch matchups before the spotlight hits the main stage.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight)

In the featured prelim, Paul Craig (17-9-1 MMA, 9-9-1 UFC) makes his return to the light heavyweight division, taking on Brazil’s Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC). Originally set to clash at the UFC Apex last month, the bout was scrapped when Bellato fell ill just days out. Now rescheduled for Atlanta, both fighters have something to prove.

Craig, the Scottish submission specialist known as “Bearjew,” experimented with a move to middleweight but struggled to find footing, dropping three straight to Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal. Now back at 205 pounds—a division where he holds a win over current champ Magomed Ankalaev—Craig is aiming to reset and make one more run at contention.

Bellato enters looking to reestablish the hype that followed his UFC debut. After earning a contract with a knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, he impressed with a finish over Ihor Potieria. However, his momentum cooled after a February draw with Jimmy Crute. A decisive win over a veteran like Craig would be just what “Trator” needs to re-ignite his rise.

Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee (Welterweight)

Two seasoned UFC veterans will square off in a grappling-heavy welterweight clash as Michael Chiesa (18-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) meets Court McGee (22-13 MMA, 11-12 UFC), the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Season 11.

Chiesa, a former lightweight, has found a solid home at 170 pounds since 2018, posting a 6-3 record in the division. Known for his slick submission game, “Maverick” boasts seven career wins via rear-naked choke—second in UFC history only to Demian Maia.

McGee, now 40, remains a durable and gritty challenge for anyone. He recently snapped a three-fight skid with a first-round submission win over Tim Means at UFC 307 last October, reminding fans that his ground game and toughness are still very much intact.

This is a classic stylistic clash between two grapplers looking to prove they’ve still got gas in the tank. Expect a technical ground battle with real stakes for both men’s UFC futures.

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho (Bantamweight)

Hometown fans will have someone to cheer for early in the night, as Georgia’s own Malcolm Wellmaker (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) returns to action after a breakout debut. Back in April, the undefeated prospect delivered a stunning first-round knockout of Cameron Saaiman in Kansas City, earning a $50,000 performance bonus and putting the bantamweight division on notice.

Looking to play spoiler is Kris Moutinho (14-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC), who is back for a second UFC stint. Best remembered for his gutsy performance against Sean O’Malley in 2021—where he absorbed a tremendous amount of damage but refused to go down—Moutinho has since gone 5-0 on the regional circuit to earn his way back into the promotion.

This matchup pits Wellmaker’s fast-rising power and momentum against Moutinho’s grit and experience. If Wellmaker can deliver another show-stopping finish in front of his home crowd, it could cement him as a serious prospect in the division.

While the UFC Atlanta main card is rightfully getting attention, the prelims offer real value for fans who tune in early. With Paul Craig looking for redemption, Chiesa and McGee battling for veteran relevance, and Wellmaker rising in his hometown, this undercard has all the ingredients to deliver fireworks.