Cody Haddon vs Malcolm Wellmaker Prediction: A Tactical Showdown at UFC 322

As the anticipation builds for UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev, another intriguing bout is set to electrify the Madison Square Garden audience—Cody Haddon takes on Malcolm Wellmaker. This fight presents an exciting matchup between two rising prospects, with Haddon boasting an impressive record of 8-1-0 and Wellmaker remaining undefeated at 10-0-0. As they both vie for recognition in their respective careers, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this compelling encounter.

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Fighter Breakdown

Cody Haddon

Cody Haddon enters the octagon with a solid winning percentage of 88.9%, characterized by his orthodox stance and significant striking accuracy of 51.4%. While he averages only 2.32 significant strikes landed per minute, Haddon's precision makes every strike count. His fighting style tends toward technical striking and tactical point-fighting, emphasizing octagon control over raw volume.

Despite lacking recent statistics on takedowns and their defense, Haddon's fight IQ remains a notable asset as he navigates through opponents effectively while minimizing risks. His most significant victory came against fighters who underestimated his ability to counterattack, demonstrating his knack for capitalizing on mistakes.

Malcolm Wellmaker

On the other hand, Malcolm Wellmaker, nicknamed "The Machine", boasts not just an undefeated record but also a tag as a knockout artist. Standing taller at 70 inches with a reach of 71.5 inches, he represents a physical challenge for Haddon. His striking accuracy is notably high at 63%, although he lands only about 0.35 significant strikes per minute, indicating more strategic engagements rather than wild flurries.

Wellmaker's unique switch stance gives him versatility in striking dynamics, enabling him to exploit openings from various angles that Haddon's orthodox stance might not accommodate easily. As seen in recent bouts, Wellmaker's robustness shone through against tougher opponents, providing him confidence heading into this matchup against Haddon.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

When Cody Haddon faces off against Malcolm Wellmaker, various factors come into play that can be pivotal in determining the outcome of this fight:

Metric	Cody Haddon	Malcolm Wellmaker
Record	8-1-0	10-0-0
Height	67 inches	70 inches
Reach	69 inches	71.5 inches
Significant Strikes (Landed/min)	2.32	0.35
Significant Strike Accuracy	51.4%	63%
Takedown Average (per 15min)	N/A	N/A

In analyzing their distinct fighting styles—Haddon's technical striking versus Wellmaker's knockout power—Haddon's ability to manage distance could prove vital. He might utilize his speed and accuracy to compensate for Wellmaker's physical advantages.

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AI Prediction Analysis

According to statistical analysis based on recent data and ML predictions, the fight is anticipated as a near toss-up with both fighters holding equal win probabilities of 50%. The AI model slightly favors Malcolm Wellmaker as the predicted winner due to several strategic advantages:

• Higher significant strike accuracy (63%) suggests greater efficiency when engaging.
• Reach advantage may allow Wellmaker to keep Haddon at bay while delivering damaging shots without much risk.
• Despite landing fewer strikes overall, Wellmaker’s historical performance indicates he is capable of absorbing damage while following up with decisive counters—a possible factor contributing to his undefeated status.

While the AI doesn't assign high confidence levels due to both fighters having faced relatively lesser-known competitive brackets, form dynamics indicate unpredictable shifts throughout the bout could occur.

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Potential Upset Scenarios

Despite predictions leaning toward Malcolm Wellmaker, potential avenues exist for Cody Haddon to upset the odds:

1. Outpacing Wellmaker early in rounds using quick combinations and maintaining significant strike volume.
2. Capitalizing on any lapse from Wellmaker regarding distance management or decision-making.
3. Utilizing conditioning to push through tougher exchanges late into rounds potentially influencing judges’ scores.

As with any combat sports event, given its nature, unexpected results can emerge—thus making both fighters formidable contenders capable of claiming victory through different paths.

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Final Verdict: Who Will Win?

In conclusion, while Cody Haddon vs Malcolm Wellmaker prediction points towards a narrow fit for the latter given fighting styles and historical ties shown above, an expert analysis requires consideration of each fighter’s nuances during fight night at UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev. With current training regimens highlighted from credible sources like ESPN noting Haddon's sharpened skill set (ESPN recently noted key insights regarding both fighters), fans can look forward to an eventful matchup that can swing in any direction—a true testament to MMA unpredictability.

Whether you favor Haddon’s technical acumen or well-trained relentless pressure of “The Machine,” fight enthusiasts must anticipate strategies evolving within the octagon during this enthralling showdown!