Cody Garbrandt’s Bantamweight Breakthrough
Cody Garbrandt is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, and is known for his devastating striking skills and his pressure-heavy fighting style.
Early Life and Martial Arts Background
Garbrandt grew up in Uhrichsville, Ohio, with a background in boxing and wrestling. He won an Ohio state wrestling championship in 2007 and finished as runner-up in 2008.
Garbrandt trained with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento. His rise through the UFC bantamweight division included knockout wins over Thomas Almeida, Augusto Mendes and Takeya Mizugaki.
Garbrandt is a pressure-heavy fighter with excellent striking skills
UFC Debut and Rise to Contendership
Garbrandt made his UFC debut on January 3, 2015, stopping Marcus Brimage by TKO in the third round. His subsequent victories earned him a championship opportunity.
On December 30, 2016, Garbrandt defeated Dominick Cruz by unanimous decision at UFC 207 to win the UFC bantamweight championship.
Garbrandt’s Fighting Style
Garbrandt is a pressure-heavy fighter with excellent striking skills. He is able to land strikes from a variety of angles and with pinpoint accuracy. Garbrandt is also a skilled grappler, but he prefers to keep the fight standing.
Garbrandt’s fighting style is characterized by his pace and his willingness to take risks. He is always looking to land strikes, and he is not afraid to engage in stand-up wars. Garbrandt is also a very good finisher, and he has a knack for putting his opponents away in spectacular fashion.
Impact on the UFC
Garbrandt’s signature achievement was his UFC 207 championship victory over Cruz. His knockout wins during the preceding contender run established him as a dangerous bantamweight striker.
Title Reign and Subsequent Losses
Garbrandt lost his first title defense to T.J. Dillashaw by second-round TKO in November 2017. Dillashaw also won their August 2018 rematch by first-round TKO. Pedro Munhoz then knocked Garbrandt out in March 2019.
Rebuilding and Future Outlook
Garbrandt knocked out Raphael Assunção in the second round in June 2020. On March 4, 2023, he defeated Trevin Jones by unanimous decision at UFC 285, ending a two-fight losing streak.
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Cody Garbrandt, UFC, MMA, Fight Results, Combat Sports
