Coming off a win over another Cody, Cody Gibson, Mongolia’s Aoriqileng was looking to get the home team on the board, after Xiong Jing Nan and Zhu Kangjie had come up short earlier on the card.

Aoriqileng was light on his feet, and fired his right hand almost immediately off of the opening bell on Saturday. Haddon answered with a combination, then pursued a takedown, landing it with something of a body slam. Aoriqileng posted up, getting back to his feet along the fence, albeit it with Haddon still on him. That allowed Haddon to force the “Mongolian Murderer” back down, taking the back with hooks in. He’d end up dropping punches as Aoriqileng tried to extract himself without success.

Back in guard, Haddon looked to improve position, and eventually was able to take the back again. All over Aoriqileng, he was in full control, fluid, and found space for more punches. A rough round for the Chinese fighter, who ate a couple of heavy knees to the body before the horn.

A hot start to round two saw Haddon charge in only to wind up stuck in a guillotine for a moment. He’d gut that out, however, with Haddon then back in the driver’s seat. This time, Aoriqileng made it back up, freeing himself and returning to center. Still, Haddon got a clinch locked in again soon enough, and this time, with Aoriqileng against the fence, he fired a knee, then a second, to the midsection. Aoriqileng dropped, and a flurry of punches from Cody Haddon followed, with the ref then calling the stoppage.

The win sees Australia’s Haddon improve to 2-0 under the UFC banner, in his first fight since 2024.

Official Result: Cody Haddon def. Aoriqileng by TKO, Round 2, 2:11

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The UFC made the announcement on Thursday.

Ewing (8-2) enters his UFC debut riding an eight-fight win streak, having last competed less than a week ago in a title bout under Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat banner. Of his eight victories, seven have come by knockout, with his lone decision win rounding out an impressive resume.

Haddon was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury, though details have not yet been disclosed. The Australian bantamweight earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series Week 2 in 2024 and made his official debut just two months later, earning a decision win over Dan Argueta.

Wellmaker (10-0) will look to keep his perfect record intact against Ewing. The undefeated bantamweight has earned notable wins over Kris Moutinho, Cameron Saaiman, and Adam Bramhald.

UFC 322 takes place Saturday Nov 15 from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. The card is as follows:

• Jack Della Maddalena (C) vs. Islam Makhachev
• Valentina Shevchenko (C) vs. Weili Zhang
• #2 Sean Brady vs. #8 Michael Morales
• #4 Leon Edwards vs. #9 Carlos Prates
• #9 Beneil Dariush vs. #13 Benoit Saint-Denis
• Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira
• Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues
• #4 Erin Blanchfield vs. #8 Tracy Cortez
• Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Ethyn Ewing
• Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert
• Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal
• #12 Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline
• Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico
• Viacheslav Borschev vs. Matheus Camilo

The post Cody Haddon Out Of UFC 322, Newcomer Ethyn Ewing Steps In vs Wellmaker appeared first on Cageside Press.

It’s a big card, and a fairly high-profile opponent in Malcolm Wellmaker, that is welcoming Haddon back to the bright lights of the UFC. It’s also a match-up he pursued, it turns out.

“I had some tough setbacks, injuries that withdrew me, took me out of a fight earlier in the year. And then it’s just been back-to-back bad luck. I’m just grateful to be back on this card, and I actually asked for this fight,” Haddon (8-1) explained during Wednesday’s UFC 322 media day, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “The UFC were looking to match me up, and four weeks had gone by, and [Serhiy Sidey] pulled out. I had a friend message me, get in touch with my manager, and she got right on to it. And we actually asked for this.”

In the end, Haddon was “very grateful that he accepted the fight too, and we could get it done on potentially the biggest card of the year. So super-excited.”

Haddon had been booked into a February showdown with Aleksandre Topuria, brother of UFC lightweight champ Ilia, only for injury to nix those plans. Now he gets the undefeated Wellmaker. “Malcolm, he’s been impressive I feel. So this is a tougher fight I feel than Topuria, so I’m excited for that.”

Describing his opponent as a “very skilled, crafty fighter on the feet,” Haddon noted that Wellmaker’s grappling hasn’t been seen all that much. “I think he’s a phenomenal fighter, and that’s why I want to fight him,” he added, “because I want to fight the best.”

Don’t be fooled by Haddon replacing Sidey in this Saturday’s fight, however. While the match-up might have been announced on short-notice, “this isn’t short notice at all. I wouldn’t have asked for it if it was short notice. If I was on the couch, I wouldn’t have been like ‘hey I’ll fight that guy in four weeks.’ Probably wouldn’t have been ready.”

The motivation to return now, meanwhile, boiled down to visibility. “I needed to get a fight in before the end of the year, because I’ve just kind of fallen off. And I need to come back with a bang and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Watch the full UFC 322 media day appearance by Cody Haddon above.

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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)

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Among those returning, Torrez Finney, who actually won his first appearance on the Contender Series but was shut out when it came time for contracts to be awarded. This time out, the middleweight has been paired up with Cam Rowston. Finney remains undefeated as a pro, in a division that could use a fresh face or two.

Bantamweights Billy Brand and Cody Haddon are an early pick for Fight of the Season on paper, giving them plenty to live up to.

Where to Watch Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2

As always, the new season of DWCS airs live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on ESPN+ in the U.S., and Sportsnet/Sportsnet+ in Canada. The card will also be carried on UFC Fight Pass. Full results from the event can be found below.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2

Welterweight: Andreas Berg Gustafsson def. Pat Pytlik by TKO, Round 2, 3:20
Heavyweight: Rizvan Kuniev def. Hugo Cunha by TKO, Round 1, 4:59
Bantamweight: Cortavious Romious def. Michael Imperato by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight: Torrez Finney def. Cam Rowston by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Cody Haddon def. Billy Brand by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:09

Contract Winners: Cody Haddon, Cortavious Romious, Rizvan Kuniev, Andreas Berg Gustafsson

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2 Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

With a UFC contract on the line, an impressive win is even more important for returning fighters, who could be on their last chance.

Welterweight, Pat Pytlik (9-1) Vs. Andreas Berg Gustafsson (10-2)

Notable Notes

• Dana says he doesn’t look at older fighters in their 30s but the main event has Pytlik who is 35 and Gustafsson who is 33.
• Pytlik got this opportunity because of his win in front of Dana White off an episode of Lookin’ For A Fight.
• Pytlik has a 100% finish rate and all wins come by KO/TKO. He never went the distance.
• Gustafsson has gone the distance three times and is 1-2 in those fights.
• Gustafsson had an extensive amateur career going 10-1.
• Gustafsson has a win over UFC fighter Christian Leroy Duncan as an amateur.
• Pytlik’s only loss comes to former UFC fighter Jake Lindsey

Prediction: I don’t think we should see guys in their 30s on DWCS but this one makes the exception. It’s also fine because they are at least fighting each other. Pytlik when he isn’t held against the cage is an exciting fighter. With Gustafsson, excitement is what he’s all about. In his last two fights, he won with a ten-second finish and a Fight of the Year contender.

This fight will determine how durable Pytlik is. Pytlik is the better fighter technically but with Gustafsson, you either have to hold him down or out-dog him. I don’t see Pytlik wrestling so I expect a banger. I’m not convinced Pytlik can go through a war. Gustafsson takes a ton of damage because he’s so reckless and his defense is taking it on the chin. He’s one of these guys that seem impossible to knock out. I’m going to pick Gustafsson by TKO in the third. Not super confident because Gustafsson is more entertaining than skilled but I’ll say I’m 55% confident.

The post DWCS 2024: Episode 2 Breakdown and Predictions appeared first on Cageside Press.

“That’s all I wanted to do since I went to the martial arts gym when I was six,” Haddon explained. “My dad was always a fight fan and I used to watch boxing, kickboxing, MMA – And I always thought MMA was the ultimate fight sport.”

Like any young child with a passion, Haddon felt the need to share that passion with others. Given a research project during his elementary school year with an open topic, the choice for him was clear.

“The UFC has been the goal since I was a kid. I remember in grade 3 doing a project – you could do a project on anything – and I did it on the UFC,” he shared. “I introduced all the rules and stuff. I talked about back when they didn’t have many rules and didn’t have gloves… I did a big write up on that.”

The reception was maybe not what Haddon was looking for. The reviews were a mixed back of confused and shocked.

“People had no idea about what MMA even was, then you got some third grader giving a whole spiel about this thing they’ve never heard of that’s so barberic in their eyes,” he said laughing in the process. “Half the people didn’t even understand what I was talking about.”

Now roughly a decade later, Haddon has a chance to make that passion into a reality. He gets his chance to impress Dana White on Contender Series Tuesday as he takes on Billy Brand. Much like some of his peers thought all those years ago, he expects a gruesome image for that fight.

“If you watch his fights and my fights, you know there’s going to be some blood and some f*cking damage done,” he said. “And I think I will come out on top.”

You can catch that fight with Cody Haddon on Week 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series this Tuesday. The fight card begins at 7pm EST on ESPN+.

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Kicking off this edition of TTP is our interview with Contender Series bantamweight, Cody Haddon. Haddon discusses what he took away from his lone professional loss, which came at the hands of UFC 305’s Steven Erceg. He also talks about his road to getting a call to fight in front of the boss. Plus, he tells the funny story of how his manager broke the news to him when he was least expecting it. All that and a breakdown of his upcoming fight with Billy Brand on week 2.

Fights, Dogs, and Parlays: UFC 305 (18:56)

After a wild and wacky UFC Vegas 95, the UFC hits the road again. This time, they’ll be crossing the Pacific and hitting up Perth, Australia for UFC 305. Former champion Israel Adesanya looks to get his belt back in a middleweight clash against current champion Dricus du Plessis. Plus, plenty of Aussies are in action – Kai Kara-France, Tai Tuivasa, and the aformentioned Steven Erceg to name a few. We’ll break down the card and give you an underdog and parlay to make your wallet fat. Don’t miss it! For this segment, all odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sean Gauci Interview (24:14)

Closing out this UFC 305 edition of TTP is our interview with Contender Series flyweight, Sean Gauci. Gauci also has a history with Steven Erceg as the two faced off in Erceg’s second professional fight. Gauci handed him his only loss up until his title fight with Alexandre Pantoja. He tells us how that fight affects his confidence heading into Contender Series. Plus, he talks about plans for a quick run up the flyweight division upon arrival. Then Gauci discusses his beginnings in the striking arts and talks about a rumored fight that could be on the horizon on a very big stage.

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What talents are still out there, yet to be scooped up by the big show? Read on.

Featherweight, Justin Van Heerden (12-5):
Heerden is arguably leading the charge for the next group on the rise from the country he fights out of and represents. Heerden was born in South Africa but is based out of Australia and has fought there his entire career dating back to 2014. He’s been on a tear recently winning his last five and beating two guys he lost to in the past. There isn’t anything pretty about the style of Heerden but he’s got the sort of grit and endurance that breaks guys. His striking isn’t great but he crowds his opponents with volume and has deceptive power. Where you will see him at his best is using his wrestling/grappling. Heerden has a consistent workrate once he gets on the inside, winning position and just flat out being the busier fighter.

Bantamweight, Cody Haddon (6-1):
Haddon is a stud out of Australia whose only loss is to UFC title challenger Steve Erceg. It’s worth mentioning that he looked very good against Erceg and it was only his third pro fight. Haddon is as well-rounded as you want in an up-and-coming prospects. He has both solid wrestling and strong grappling. On the feet, he’s the full package. His vision, hand speed, bodywork, and volume all don’t go unnoticed. Haddon is the real deal and needs to be watched closely. Haddon is currently Australia’s best-kept secret.

Flyweight, Stewart Nicoll (8-0):
Nicoll doesn’t strike you as the typical flyweight; meaning a lot of movement and speed. He’s more planted and has a strong presence. Nicoll does at least have power in his right hand and the chopping leg kicks. He’s a strong wrestler and he has solid jiu-jitsu. Nicoll has dominant top control and is a big threat at getting a sub after landing a ton of ground and pound.

Flyweight, Anthony Drilich (7-1):
Drilich is another unassuming flyweight but he’s been getting it done in the cage. He’s won his last five fights and is the current Eternal MMA flyweight champion. Drilich isn’t great anywhere but is good everywhere. What he does have is crazy power for a 125er. He has the type of power in his left hand that is fight-changing. Drilich can really shut the lights out at any point as his power carries over all rounds as he is durable.

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There will be a lot of countries that will be skipped because the talent just isn’t in every area, so take “every country” as meaning out of those with a viable pool of prospects. For the most part, we’ve tried to stay away from talent with every other major promotion (PFL/Bellator, ONE Championship) to be as realistic as possible.

Afghanistan

Right now in the UFC, we have the Basharat brothers who are representing Afghanistan, both of whom are set to become bright stars in the years to come. Years ago we had Siyar Bahadurzada, who went 4-4 in the UFC and was in the promotion for over seven years.

There were a few options to choose from as the best to represent Afghanistan but I decided to go with Milad Ahady (6-1). Not sure how Ahady went under my radar since he’s 3-0 in Cage Warriors. Ahady is a talented enough guy that the UFC could sign him right now. He’s a big featherweight at 5’11” who is a better striker but is well-rounded. Ahady is a skilled striker with accuracy especially from his left side. His left hand is his best weapon and once he mixes in his kicks he’s a problem. I believe the UFC should take a look at Ahady right this minute.

Albania

There has never been any UFC fighter from Albania to my knowledge but there are a few options the promotion could go with. The one that stands out to me is Vilson Ndregjoni (8-3). He may be close to the UFC but would be closer if he didn’t lose his CFFC title because he missed weight. Still, Ndregjoni was a fireball of explosion throwing with a lot of power. He dropped his opponent with a left hand in the first. As the guy came in blindly Ndregjoni landed a check right hand putting him on his face. Ndregjoni landed the follow-up hammer fist putting the guy out. Ndregjoni is starting to get a good run going currently, but just needs to get the weight under control if it is an issue.

Angola

The UFC is still in need of their first Angola-born fighter. There are a few options, mainly ones in the amateur ranks getting ready to go pro. The one that sticks out the most is somebody I’ve had my eyes on for a while; Shido Boris Soto Esperanca (8-1). Soto has competed in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and in many grappling tournaments such as the IBJJF. He is a BJJ and kickboxing blackbelt. Watching him what can be seen is strong slams, thunderous ground and pound, superb athleticism, and aggression. Soto has a huge problem with his cardio which would hold him back to winning the bigger fights. If he can fix that he would be a dangerous fighter.

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