UFC Fight Preview: Dan Argueta vs Cody Haddon at UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira

On October 12, 2024, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira will feature an intriguing bantamweight matchup between Dan Argueta and rising Australian prospect Cody Haddon. Both fighters bring strong grappling backgrounds and aggressive fighting styles, making this bout one to watch for MMA fans. Argueta, a veteran with a versatile game, will look to bounce back, while Haddon, fresh off his impressive submission victory on Dana White's Contender Series, is eager to continue his rise in the UFC.

As always, KingPin Pro is your #1 source for MMA predictions and analysis. Check out my Carpenter vs Rocha Article Prediction for more fight breakdowns from this event.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Dan Argueta

Dan Argueta, also known as "The Determined," is a veteran bantamweight fighter with a record of 9-2-0. Fighting out of Bloodline Combat, Argueta is known for his toughness, solid grappling, and relentless pace. He has secured 4 submission victories, showcasing his dangerous ground game. Argueta has been tested against tough competition, including UFC veteran Damon Jackson and up-and-comer Jean Matsumoto.

Argueta’s last few fights have been challenging, including a recent submission loss to Jean Matsumoto at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2. Despite this setback, Argueta remains a well-rounded and dangerous fighter who has the potential to turn the tide in this fight.

Cody Haddon

Cody Haddon, hailing from Australia, enters this fight with an impressive record of 7-1-0. Fighting out of Luistro Combat Academy, Haddon has rapidly built a reputation as a lethal striker with a strong grappling background. With 5 knockout victories and 2 submissions, Haddon has shown he can finish fights in multiple ways, making him a versatile threat in the bantamweight division.

Haddon’s most recent performance in the Dana White's Contender Series saw him submit Billy Brand in just over three minutes, solidifying his status as a rising prospect. Haddon’s ability to finish fights, combined with his athleticism, makes him a tough matchup for anyone in the division.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Dan Argueta

Argueta is a well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling background and submission skills. He excels in grinding out his opponents with his wrestling and ground control, where he can set up submissions or maintain dominant positions. Argueta’s striking is more functional than flashy, often used to close the distance and initiate grappling exchanges.

In this fight, Argueta will likely aim to take the fight to the mat, where he can utilize his grappling to neutralize Haddon’s striking and aggressive offense. Argueta’s experience and cardio will be key factors in his game plan as he looks to outwork the younger fighter.

Cody Haddon

Haddon is an explosive striker with significant knockout power, as evidenced by his 5 TKO/KO victories. He fights with aggression, constantly pressing forward and looking to land heavy strikes. While his striking is his primary weapon, Haddon has also shown an aptitude for submissions, making him a well-rounded threat both on the feet and on the ground.

Haddon will look to keep the fight standing, where he can utilize his reach and power to land damaging strikes. His forward pressure and ability to finish the fight early make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

Recent Performances and Fight Analysis

Dan Argueta

Argueta’s recent fight history has been mixed. After a split-decision win over Diego Silva at LFA 131, he faced a tough matchup against Damon Jackson, losing a unanimous decision in his UFC debut. He bounced back with a decision victory over Nick Aguirre at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov but faced back-to-back no contests in his last two outings due to accidental fouls.

Argueta’s strength lies in his durability and ability to maintain a high pace. Against Haddon, Argueta will need to avoid extended striking exchanges and focus on dragging the fight into deeper waters, where his experience and grappling can take over.

Cody Haddon

Haddon has been on a tear recently, winning his last 6 fights, including an impressive submission victory over Billy Brand in the Dana White's Contender Series. His aggressive striking style and finishing ability have made him one of the most exciting prospects in the bantamweight division.

In this fight, Haddon will look to keep the fight standing, where he can capitalize on his power advantage. If he can avoid Argueta’s takedowns and keep the fight on the feet, Haddon has a good chance of securing a knockout or a dominant decision win.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Dan Argueta	+165
Cody Haddon	-195

Haddon enters the fight as the favorite with odds of -195, while Argueta is the underdog at +165. Haddon's striking power and recent momentum make him the favored pick, but Argueta’s experience and grappling skills shouldn’t be overlooked.

Keys to Victory

Dan Argueta

• Utilize Wrestling: Argueta needs to get the fight to the ground, where he can neutralize Haddon’s power and use his grappling to control the fight.
• Control the Pace: Argueta should look to slow down the fight and avoid extended exchanges on the feet. His best path to victory lies in grinding Haddon down and wearing him out over three rounds.
• Cardio and Durability: Argueta’s ability to go the distance and take damage will be crucial if the fight turns into a war of attrition.

Cody Haddon

• Keep the Fight Standing: Haddon’s best chance at winning is to avoid grappling exchanges with Argueta and look to land heavy strikes on the feet.
• Utilize Power Strikes: Haddon should press forward and use his knockout power to force Argueta into uncomfortable exchanges, looking for an early finish.
• Takedown Defense: If Haddon can stuff Argueta’s takedowns, he will have a significant advantage in the striking exchanges.

Prediction