Cody Haddon Pulls Out of Crucial UFC 322 Matchup Due to Injury
Cody Haddon, a rising star in mixed martial arts from Western Australia, has officially pulled out of a highly anticipated fight at UFC 322 due to an injury. The match, set to occur at Madison Square Garden, was slated for this Sunday morning against the undefeated bantamweight, Malcolm Wellmaker. The UFC announced Haddon’s withdrawal early Friday, stating that Ethyn Ewing will replace him, with the bout now occurring in the featherweight division.
Cody Haddon’s Injury Details
Reports indicate that the 27-year-old fighter sustained a broken foot. This unfortunate injury prevented him from participating in what could have been a defining moment in his career. Haddon was eager to return to the octagon following his debut victory over Dan Argueta last October. This win came shortly after he earned his UFC contract through the Dana White Contender Series.
Previous Setbacks
Earlier this year, Haddon faced a setback when he had to withdraw from a match against Aleksandre Topuria in Sydney, again due to a foot injury sustained during training. Additionally, he incurred a partially torn lateral collateral ligament, causing further delays in his return to competitive fighting.
Expressing Frustrations and Optimism
- Haddon expressed his frustrations with the injuries, stating, “It was debilitating. I had a bit of momentum behind me.”
- He conveyed his concern about job security, emphasizing the mental strain of facing consecutive injuries.
- Despite these injuries, Haddon has noted his improved health in recent months.
The anxiety of encountering yet another injury has also weighed heavily on him. He revealed he felt apprehensive about resuming training, stating, “The anxiety to train and what’s going to happen next was very hard mentally to overcome.” This latest injury has undoubtedly affected Haddon’s career trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Haddon remains determined to overcome these challenges as he navigates the unpredictable landscape of mixed martial arts. With hopes for a swift recovery, he is eager to make a comeback and demonstrate his true potential in the octagon.
