Bantamweight, Billy Brand (5-1) Vs Cody Haddon (6-1)
Notable Notes
- Brand’s only pro loss comes to UFC bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley.
- Haddon is the HEX bantamweight champion.
- Haddon’s only career loss comes to former UFC flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg.
- Haddon has a 100% finish rate.
Billy Brand
Pros
- Dynamic
- Athletic
- Explosive
- Fast hands
- Chopping leg kicks
- High work rate
- Durable
- Excellent elbows
- Good elbows
- Good footwork
- Strong jab
- Good head movement
Cons
- Hands low at times
- Takes unnecessary damage
Cody Haddon
Pros
- Solid wrestling
- String grappling
- Excellent bodywork
- Snapping long jab
- Fast hands
Volume striker - Good vision
- Goes body-head well
- Scrambles well
Cons
- TDD needs some work
- Gives up his back
Boxing: Haddon
Kickboxing: Brand
Speed: Haddon
Output/Volume: Haddon
Footwork/Movement: Brand
Striking defense: Haddon
Wrestling: Haddon
Grappling: Haddon
Gas tank: Brand
Prediction: This has the capability to be the best fight of the Contender Series this season. Both these guys have one loss; Haddon lost to Steve Erceg and Brand to Payton Talbott and both fights were competitive. Both guys can wrestle but prefer to strike. Haddon is more of a complete fighter being able to lean more on his ground game. I don’t think either have the wrestling to be effective in this matchup so I think this stays standing.
I have it listed as Haddon as the better boxer but striking in general it’s near even. If both guys just sling it out I favor Brand because of his power and the weapons he uses on the inside. In the fight Brand had with Talbott, Talbott inflicting all the bodywork really played dividends. I think we could see a similar thing here because Haddon loves to dig to the body. Also, the jab from Haddon should play a huge part.
Brand has good head movement when it comes to the hooks but not as much with the jab. Haddon has more weapons and that’s why I’m leaning his way. Would love a draw and both fighters sign to the UFC because both deserve to be in the UFC. I’ve got Haddon by decision and I’m 50% confident.
