Malcolm Wellmaker's UFC 322 bout gets a new opponent
Malcolm Wellmaker will finally get his chance to fight in the iconic Madison Square Garden. The UFC has announced a new opponent for Wellmaker's highly anticipated return at UFC 322, scheduled for November 15th. Wellmaker's original rival, Serhiy Sidey, was forced out of the card due to undisclosed reasons, and stepping in will be Cody Haddon.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed the new booking to MMA Junkie on Thursday, requesting anonymity as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Despite being 31 years old, Wellmaker is still considered a rising star in the bantamweight division, boasting an impressive 10-0 MMA record with six knockouts. His recent performance in June showcased his prowess, as he swiftly knocked out Kris Moutinho in the first round, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus in his two UFC fights.
Haddon, a 30-year-old Australian, made his UFC debut last October after appearing on Dana White's Contender Series. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Dan Argueta. Haddon's only professional loss came against former UFC title contender Steve Erceg in an Australian regional circuit bout, decided by unanimous decision.
The updated UFC 322 lineup now features the following matches:
- Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
- Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili
- Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
- Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis
- Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez
- Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira
- Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues
- Eric McConico vs. Baisangur Susurkaev
- Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert
- Fatima Kline vs. Angela Hill
- Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon
This card promises an exciting night of action, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising prospects. The addition of Wellmaker and Haddon's bout is a welcome change, providing fans with a fresh and competitive matchup. Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer!
