Ethyn Ewing made an improbable UFC debut by accepting a fight on less than two days’ notice, overcoming significant odds to secure a victory against a highly regarded opponent.
Ethyn Ewing made an unforgettable UFC debut by accepting a fight on less than two days’ notice and clinching a victory. Just days earlier, he had won a bout in Urijah Faber’s promotion and was celebrating with a hefty meal.
The call came six days later, inviting him to fight at UFC 322 in New York. Despite being fresh from a celebration, Ewing couldn’t resist the opportunity.
“Friday’s my fight, we get back Saturday morning super early,” Ewing told MMA Fighting. He was in disbelief when he saw missed calls and texts, thinking it was an emergency.
After confirming with his coach, Ewing threw on his sauna suit and hit the gym to start cutting weight. He had to undergo medical tests around Los Angeles before a flight to New York City.
Ewing faced the challenge of cutting weight, agreeing to fight Malcolm Wellmaker at 145 pounds, despite walking around at 157. He had only 18 hours to make weight.
He managed to hit the mark for his UFC debut, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. “I went straight to LAX, sat in the airport, jumped on the airplane at 11 o’clock,” Ewing said.
After landing, he endured traffic before rushing to the fighter area, donning the Venum gear, and making it to the weigh-ins. He hadn’t even known who his opponent was until after accepting the fight.
Less than a day later, Ewing walked to the octagon and delivered a masterful performance against Wellmaker. Wellmaker, who had been on a winning streak, was expected to dominate.
Instead, Ewing turned the tables, showcasing technical prowess and patience. “I knew that I was going to be more technical than him in the striking,” Ewing said.
Critics quickly questioned Wellmaker’s skills, but Ewing defended him. “I think it’s ridiculous to say he got fraud checked,” Ewing said, showing respect for his opponent.
Ewing emphasized the challenge of stepping into the octagon, dismissing armchair critics. “They don’t understand what it means,” he asserted.
With his next fight, Ewing aims to prove his performance wasn’t a fluke. “This is just the beginning,” he said, eager to grow and improve.
After securing his win, Ewing joked about his wife talking him out of getting ice cream the night before his UFC call. Now, with a 2-0 record in eight days, he’s earned a cheat day.
“Yes I did,” Ewing said about indulging a bit after his win. “I got some ice cream yesterday.”