Cody Garbrandt

Cody Garbrandt: The Explosive Former Bantamweight Champion

Cody "No Love" Garbrandt, born on July 7, 1991 in Uhrichsville, Ohio, is one of the most explosive and dynamic fighters in the UFC. A former UFC Bantamweight Champion, Garbrandt is known for his fast hands, powerful punches, and aggressive fighting style. His impressive rise in the UFC, culminating in winning the bantamweight title, has made him one of the biggest names in the division.

Early Life and Career

Garbrandt grew up in Ohio, where he began wrestling and boxing at a young age. He developed as a strong amateur boxer and became a Golden Gloves champion before moving to MMA. His wrestling background, combined with his excellent boxing skills, made him a dangerous fighter in the ring.

Garbrandt began his professional MMA career in 2012 and quickly rose through the regional circuits. His impressive power and ability to knockout opponents caught the attention of the UFC, and he made his debut in the organization in 2015.

Rise to Championship

Garbrandt began his UFC career with an impressive series of victories, winning five straight fights, four of them by knockout. His aggressive style and ability to end fights early quickly propelled him to the top of the bantamweight division.

In December 2016, Garbrandt got his shot at the UFC Bantamweight Championship against then-undefeated champion Dominick Cruz at UFC 207. In a stunning performance, Garbrandt defeated Cruz via unanimous decision to win the title and hand Cruz his first defeat in nearly a decade. Garbrandt's performance was praised for his speed, precision and defensive prowess, as he outboxed Cruz at his own game of movement and counterattacks.

Rivalry with TJ Dillashaw

After winning the title, an intense rivalry developed between Garbrandt and his former teammate TJ Dillashaw. The two first fought in November 2017 at UFC 217. Despite Garbrandt knocking Dillashaw down late in the first round, Dillashaw recovered to win the fight via TKO in the second round, stripping Garbrandt of the title.

The rivalry led to a rematch in August 2018 at UFC 227, where Dillashaw again won via first-round TKO. These losses marked a turning point in Garbrandt's career and led to a period of setbacks.

Return and Style

After three consecutive defeats, Garbrandt managed to get his career back on track in June 2020 by knocking out Raphael Assunção with a spectacular punch at the end of the second round at UFC 250. The victory showed his explosive power and his potential to return to the top of the division.

Garbrandt is known for his aggressive style, fast hands and powerful punches. His boxing background makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in the bantamweight division. He is able to fight from defensive positions as well as quickly switch in with flashy combinations, making him a constant threat in the stand-up.

Influence and Legacy

Cody Garbrandt remains one of the most exciting fighters in the bantamweight division. His impressive rise to the championship and his explosive style have made him a fan favorite. Despite his setbacks in his career, Garbrandt remains a constant threat to anyone in the division, and his fighting style makes him a must-watch fighter.

Conclusion

Cody Garbrandt is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion known for his explosive power and dynamic fighting style. His victory over Dominick Cruz marked the pinnacle of his career, and although he has experienced some setbacks, Garbrandt remains a dangerous and talented fighter in the UFC. His determination and ability to always fight for the knockout make him an enduring force in the sport, and fans continue to be excited for his future fights.