Where did he go?! That's the question on everyone's mind as we anticipate the return of Australian bantamweight sensation Cody Haddon. After a promising start, fans have been left wondering what happened to this rising star.
Get ready, because Haddon is back! He's set to make his comeback at UFC 322 on Saturday, November 15, 2025, facing off against the red-hot prospect, Malcolm Wellmaker, in the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Let's rewind: Haddon burst onto the scene last October, just a month after earning his UFC contract through the Contender Series. He immediately impressed with a unanimous decision victory over Dan Argueta in a thrilling, underappreciated fight.
And then...silence. Haddon seemingly vanished from the Octagon.
He briefly resurfaced when a fight with Aleksandre Topuria was announced for UFC 312, but an injury forced him to withdraw. This marked the beginning of a frustrating period that kept him sidelined for over a year.
Haddon revealed to UFC.com that he fractured his foot weeks before UFC 312 after an unfortunate training incident. This was followed by a partially torn lateral collateral ligament, sustained while sparring.
At only 27 years old, these consecutive injuries understandably led Haddon to question his future.
"It makes you just start questioning 'is my body even capable of doing this shit?'" Haddon shared with UFC.com, reflecting on the mental toll of the setbacks. "I started comparing myself to other people...It’s quite f—king depressing, bro, because you put everything into it and your body goes ‘F you!’”
Now fully recovered, Haddon, one of Australia’s most promising young fighters, is ready to take on Wellmaker. Wellmaker has been on a tear, securing back-to-back knockout victories.
While Wellmaker is undoubtedly the favorite, don't count Haddon out. He's a dangerous, often-overlooked fighter who could steal the show.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could these injuries have fundamentally changed Haddon's fighting style? Will he be as aggressive as before?
Keep a close eye on this match – it promises to be an absolute barnburner!
Want to see the full UFC 322 fight card? Check it out here: (link removed)
