Cody Durden

Cody Durden (born March 29, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A 2009 graduate of Eastside High School, he wrestled under coach Michael Smith-Foot, leading the Eagles to two state championships. He compiled a remarkable 121-31 record, winning four area championships, two sectional titles and advanced to the state final as a senior.

He was offered a scholarship to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, but due to the arrival of his son, he started working instead of attending school. After the invitation of his long-time friend and mixed martial artist Travis Knight to train at a gym, he started training regularly and made his amateur debut in 2014.

While not training, he holds down a day job as a construction worker and is a married father of two.

Early career

Durden's first bout in 2014 brought him a loss against Francisco Quijada in the amateur National Fighting Championship promotion. Following that loss, Durden went on a five-fight win streak with the NFC, prompting the fighter to move up to a more professional level.

Durden won his first four professional fights, then suffered back-to-back defeats to Jared Scoggins and Ryan Hollis. He would go on to win the next 7 bouts, all via stoppage, winning the VF Bantamweight Championship in the process.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Durden, as a replacement for Luke Sanders, faced Chris Gutiérrez on August 1, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan. The fight ended in draw.

Dropping down to flyweight, Durden faced Jimmy Flick on December 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal. He lost the bout via flying triangle choke in the first round.

Durden faced Aori Qileng on November 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Vieira vs. Tate. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Durden faced Muhammad Mokaev on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204. He lost the fight via guillotine choke in round one.

Durden faced JP Buys on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

Durden was expected to face Kleydson Rodrigues on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Allen. However, Rodrigues withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion Carlos Mota on four day's notice. Durden won the bout via unanimous decision.

Durden faced Charles Johnson on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Durden was scheduled to face Bruno Gustavo da Silva on September 23, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 228. However, the bout was cancelled as Durden was instead scheduled to face Jake Hadley at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font on August 5, 2023. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Durden is scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296.

• Valor Fighting Challenge
  • VF Bantamweight Championship (One time; former)