Cody Haddon made an impressive entrance into the UFC by dominating Dan Argueta at UFC Fight Night 244 held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Winning via unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the bout 30-27 in his favor, Haddon showcased his capability and readiness for the high-stakes nature of mixed martial arts (MMA) at the UFC level. After securing a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, Haddon’s continued success reinforces his place as a fighter to watch.
Haddon boasts an MMA record of 8-1 and is now 1-0 in the UFC, while Argueta, despite a valiant effort, falls to 9-3 with a UFC record of 1-3. Haddon’s victory is remarkable, particularly given Argueta’s relentless pursuit; the latter attempted an astonishing 24 takedowns throughout the fight, a clear testament to his grappling strategy. Nonetheless, Haddon skillfully defended against Argueta’s attacks, demonstrating both resilience and technical prowess.
Leading up to the fight, Haddon candidly acknowledged the intense pressure he felt, admitting to nerves that nearly made him physically ill before stepping into the octagon. His acknowledgment of fear speaks volumes about his mental state, illustrating how even seasoned fighters can experience anxiety at critical moments. “I was so scared and nervous coming into this fight,” Haddon stated post-fight. This vulnerability makes him relatable to fans and fighters alike, while also displaying an understanding of the emotional challenges that accompany competition at the elite level.
Resilience defined the bout, with Haddon emphasizing how he prepared for the tough contest against Argueta, who is known for his durability and strength. The fight was described by Haddon as a “f*cking back-and-forth battle,” embodying the essence of MMA as an unpredictable contest of will and skill.
In reflecting on his performance, Haddon expressed a desire to continue his active career and maximize the opportunities afforded to him by the UFC. “It’s the most active I think I’ve been in my MMA career,” he noted, celebrating the momentum that multiple fights can provide in building a fighter’s profile. His own journey has been marred by setbacks—injuries and difficulty finding opponents—but he’s eager to turn the page and capitalize on this victory.
A potential fight card in Australia is on the horizon, and Haddon has already expressed clear intentions to participate, eagerly bringing his fan base into the spotlight. The prospect of fighting on home soil is an enticing one, stirring passion not just in Haddon but also among his supporters. “A fight on Aussie soil? I’ll blow the roof off the place,” he declared, revealing the personal investment he has in connecting with his community through sport.
Embracing the Competitive Spirit
Haddon’s humility regarding the caliber of his fellow bantamweights further highlights his sportsmanship. Recognizing the skill present within the division, he conveyed a willingness to take on any challengers. “Just give us a name, I’ll most likely say yes, and it will be a banger on my behalf,” he confidently stated. This open approach to competition indicates his readiness to embrace the challenge, drawing attention to his commitment to entertaining performances.
In a sport where rivals often engage in pre-fight trash talk, Haddon’s respectful attitude towards his opponents adds a refreshing layer to his character. His mindset emphasizes competition over animosity, focusing on delivering electrifying fights rather than personal vendettas.
As Cody Haddon settles into the UFC and takes steps toward lucrative future bouts, his debut victory serves as a significant milestone. With ambitions of fighting on familiar Australian soil and a willingness to engage with any competitor, Haddon is emerging as one of the bantamweight division’s promising talents. His combination of skill, overcoming personal battles, and an unyielding competitive spirit positions him as a fighter to watch in the coming seasons of the UFC. Fans can eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his evolving career as he continues to carve out his legacy in the octagon.