Cody Durden is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Known for his power-packed performances and unbeatable resilience, Durden has established himself as a formidable force in the octagon.
Early Life and Career
Cody Durden had a promising start to his combat sports journey, excelling in wrestling during his time at Eastside High School. Under the mentorship of coach Michael Smith-Foot, Durden achieved an impressive record of 121 wins and 31 losses, leading his team to two state championships. His accomplishments included four area championships, two sectional titles, and a run to the state final in his senior year.
After high school, Durden had the opportunity to pursue wrestling at the United States Military Academy but opted to focus on his growing family instead. It was during this time that his friend and fellow fighter Travis Knight introduced him to mixed martial arts training. Intrigued by the sport, Durden made his amateur debut in 2014, marking the beginning of his journey towards a professional career.
Transitioning from the amateur ranks to the professional scene, Durden showcased his skills and determination. His early performances caught the attention of promoters, leading to his participation in events such as the NFC. Durden’s commitment and talent eventually earned him a spot in the renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he made his promotional debut in August 2020.
Amateur Wrestling Achievements
During his amateur wrestling career, Durden achieved remarkable success, culminating in multiple championships and victories at prestigious tournaments. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- State Championships: Durden emerged victorious in the state championships in 2008 and 2009, showcasing his dominance in his weight class.
- Area Championships: He secured four consecutive area championships from 2006 to 2009, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
- Sectional Titles: Durden triumphed in the sectional championships in 2008 and 2009, further solidifying his reputation as a top wrestler.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Cody Durden’s professional mixed martial arts career began in 2014, following a successful run in the amateur circuit. He quickly made an impact, winning his first four professional fights. However, he faced setbacks with back-to-back defeats against Jared Scoggins and Ryan Hollis. Despite these losses, Durden displayed his resilience by bouncing back and going on a seven-fight winning streak, capturing the VF Bantamweight Championship along the way.
His impressive performances caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Durden made his promotional debut on August 1, 2020, as a replacement for Luke Sanders. In his debut fight, he faced Chris Gutierrez, and the bout ended in a draw. This showcased Durden’s ability to hold his own against tough competition in the flyweight division.
Since his debut, Durden has continued to compete in the flyweight division, facing notable opponents such as Aori Qileng and JP Buys. While he has secured victories in some matchups, he has also experienced losses against Muhammad Mokaev and Jimmy Flick. Durden’s career in the UFC is marked by his determination and willingness to take on tough challenges, making him a thrilling fighter to watch.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2020 | Chris Gutierrez | Draw |
| December 19, 2020 | Jimmy Flick | Submission loss |
| November 20, 2021 | Aori Qileng | Win |
| March 19, 2022 | Muhammad Mokaev | Loss |
Notable Fights and Championships
Cody Durden’s journey in mixed martial arts has been marked by several notable fights and impressive achievements, including capturing championships along the way. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most memorable moments inside the octagon.
Draw against Chris Gutierrez
One of Durden’s notable fights took place at UFC Fight Night on August 1, 2020. He faced Chris Gutierrez in a highly competitive bout that ended in a draw. Both fighters showcased their skills and resilience, resulting in a thrilling match that left fans eagerly awaiting Durden’s next appearance.
Loss to Jimmy Flick
Durden dropped down to flyweight and faced Jimmy Flick at UFC Fight Night on December 19, 2020. Unfortunately, Durden suffered a submission loss in this contest. Despite the setback, Durden demonstrated his determination and resilience, setting the stage for his future comeback.
Victory against Aori Qileng
In his fight against Aori Qileng at UFC Fight Night on November 20, 2021, Durden showcased his skills and secured an impressive victory. The bout displayed Durden’s ability to adapt and dominate his opponents, solidifying his position as a formidable flyweight fighter in the UFC.
Muhammad Mokaev’s Guiltine Choke
One of the most recent fights for Durden was against Muhammad Mokaev on March 19, 2022. Unfortunately, Durden found himself caught in a guillotine choke, leading to a loss. Despite the defeat, Durden’s determination remains unwavering as he continues to strive for greatness in the flyweight division.
Future Fights and Expectations
Cody Durden is gearing up for his next exciting match in the world of mixed martial arts. On December 16, 2023, at UFC 296, Durden is scheduled to face off against Tagir Ulanbekov, a formidable flyweight fighter. This upcoming fight has generated significant anticipation among fans and pundits alike.
With his determination and resilience, Durden will be looking to continue his winning streak and make a statement in the division. After a series of impressive performances, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
The showdown between Durden and Ulanbekov promises to be a thrilling matchup. Both fighters possess exceptional skills and have proven themselves in the ring. This clash of talents will undoubtedly provide fans with an exciting spectacle and showcase the best of what the flyweight division has to offer.
As the countdown to UFC 296 begins, all eyes will be on Durden as he steps into the octagon once again. Fight enthusiasts and MMA followers eagerly await his performance, curious to see how this matchup will shape his future in the sport. With his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of victory, Cody Durden is expected to bring his A-game and deliver yet another thrilling fight for fans to enjoy.
