UFC 322: "Gonna have a good time" - Malcolm Wellmaker keeping his spirits high after another opponent change ahead of UFC 322

Malcolm Wellmaker is grateful to be on the UFC 322 card despite some obstacles coming in his way.

This will be the American’s third UFC fight after two impressive TKO wins. However, he was given a new opponent just hours before the weigh-ins.

The 31-year-old’s opponent for UFC 322, Cody Haddon, pulled out of the event with a broken foot. Wellmaker announced the news on Instagram. He also confirmed his new opponent. While some might see this as a bit of a hindrance with all the planning for one fight gone, the American doesn’t see it that way.

“My fight for UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden against Cody Haddon is cancelled. I got the phone call this morning that last night, somehow, he broke his foot and he cannot compete. My new opponent is Ethyn Ewing. I know as much about him as y'all do. But he stepped up to take the fight. Shout out to him. And I still have my opportunity to fight at Madison Square Garden this Saturday.”

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Wellmaker added that he wanted to face Haddon, but he was just happy being on the card.

“To be honest, it really breaks my heart that I'm not fighting against Cody Haddon anymore. I was looking forward to the challenge. The respect I possibly could have got from performing the way I plan to, but I'm grateful to have a replacement.”

He also posted that such cancellations are normal in the fight game, and he was prepared to entertain the crowd:

“Welcome to the fight game. Not how I planned it but I’m grateful that I still have this opportunity. UFC 322 at MSG is still on, and I’m STILL gonna have a good time. See y’all soon!!! #FKKS #706”

Check out Malcolm Wellmaker's video below:

A second opponent change for Malcolm Wellmaker

Cody Haddon wasn’t the original opponent for Malcolm Wellmaker for UFC 322. The rising UFC star was to face Serhiy Sidey, but he pulled out due to an injury.

Haddon then stepped up to replace the injured Sidey. Unfortunately, the Australian also picked up an injury.

His replacement, Ethyn Ewing, is 8-2 in his MMA career. The American is set to make his UFC debut after a quick turnaround time.

Ewing’s last fight was a week back, where he defeated Billy Brand at Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat.