One of several debuting fighters at UFC Vegas 98, Contender Series alum Cody Haddon faced off with Dan Argueta in bantamweight action.
At least, the bantamweight fight would have been held at bantamweight, had Argueta not missed weight by two and a half pounds, necessitating a catchweight.
The fight started with both fighters going to work early. Haddon was the one landing but Argueta slowed it down with an expected takedown. Haddon did a great job of getting back to his feet though. He’d let his hands go and again Argueta would press him against the cage. Argueta would transition to the back standing but Haddon was doing all the right things and escaped. Haddon was just putting his hands on Argueta at space. Combinations to the body and head were putting Argueta in danger. Argueta tried a double leg but Haddon sprawled upping his confidence. A lot of energy was being expended by both guys. Haddon was really busy with his hands ripping the body frequently. Argueta would throw back but Haddon was the one landing all the significant strikes. The action-packed round ended with Argueta landing some nice punches along the cage.
Following round one, in round two Haddon took center cage and landed a beautiful knee to a right hand. Rapid output and combinations followed from Haddon. Unexpectedly Haddon completed a really nice scoop takedown. Argueta moved to his knees and got to his feet but with Haddon on his back. Argueta walked to the cage and fought the legs getting top position. Against the cage Haddon was able to set up and get to his feet. Not off the cage fully as Argueta still had control of the back. Argueta tried another takedown but Haddon got the proper space. When that space came Haddon landed a brutal knee as Argueta advanced. Argueta, super tough, still continued to march forward. The problem was Haddon was a level above on the feet. In the closing seconds of the round Haddon landed a big right hand. Both men had tired but it seemed like Argueta was hanging by a thread.
The final round started care of some jabs from Haddon. Haddon, although wild at points, had his boxing skills on display. His jab, one-two, and counters were there all day. Haddon was landing with both hands making if difficult for Argueta in the striking exchanges. Argueta would have success against the cage with the dirty boxing. He wanted the takedown though and when it didn’t come Haddon was letting it fly in space. When Haddon would press Argueta against the cage the combinations to the body and head were landing from Haddon. Argueta got in deep on a takedown and although he got it Haddon got right back up.
Argueta was aggressive to get it back down but the cage wrestling of Haddon continued to hold up. In the final minute, both men were tired but both showed a lot of heart. Argueta continued to work the takedowns but the defense from Haddon was perfect to end the fight. Come the scorecards, to no one’s surprise, Haddon had the unanimous decision win.
Official Result: Cody Haddon def. Dan Argueta by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
