Tag: Cody Garbrandt

VIDEO | Cody Garbrandt & Sean O’Malley Separated At UFC 269 Presser

Cody GarbrandtThere’s no love lost between Cody Garbrandt and Sean O’Malley, that much was evident at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 269. On Saturday, the former bantamweight champion is set to make his flyweight debut when he takes on Kai Kara France on the UFC 269 main card. Just before he does, O’Malley will […]

Cody Garbrandt

There’s no love lost between Cody Garbrandt and Sean O’Malley, that much was evident at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 269.

On Saturday, the former bantamweight champion is set to make his flyweight debut when he takes on Kai Kara France on the UFC 269 main card.

Just before he does, O’Malley will be looking to pick up the biggest win of his career when he takes on Raulian Paiva in the first pay-per-view fight of the evening.

‘Suga’ had previously been angling for a fight with Garbrandt before ‘No Love’ opted to drop down in weight. Despite the fact they no longer compete in the same division it was clear both men still fancied fighting each other.

“Listen, this dude he comes out here does his thing, he walks his walk,” Garbrandt told reporters at the UFC 269 press conference. “Look at him, he’s dressed and has the hair, but he’s got different problems than ‘No Love’ problems. He’s got Raulian problems. Raulian’s battle-tested in here way father than he’s ever been.”

O’Malley responded by taking a shot at Garbrandt’s recent record.

“He’s won one fight since 2017,” O’Malley replied.

Garbrandt fired back by reminding O’Malley about the different levels of opponents they are facing.

“That’s a good one,” Garbrandt said. “And you haven’t fought anybody. Who the f*ck have you fought? Listen, I can’t even be mad at this kid. He understands when he jumps up in competition his hype goes away, his money goes away. His little sponsors go away because he’ll get his ass beat. Straight up.”

Things got particularly heated when ‘Suga’ requested to staredown Garbrandt.

“Let’s just square up a little bit for the fans,” O’Malley said. “Let’s just square up. Dana, can me and Cody just square up for the future?”

The former 135lb king rushed across the stage towards O’Malley before security intervened and shut down the duo’s impromptu staredown.

Cody Garbrandt & Sean O’Malley Kept Exchanging Jibes

After things settled down, O’Malley continued to take shots at his rival who he believes is one loss away from calling it a career and joining the UFC broadcast team.

“Cody’s one fight away from the commentary booth next to Dominick Cruz,” O’Malley said. “So I don’t know what the f*ck he’s talking about.”

Garbrandt fired back by reminding O’Malley that he has accomplished so much more in the sport already and suggested ‘Suga’ will never reach the level he has.

“I’ve still done more than you’re ever going to do in this career,” Garbrandt said. “You’re going to amount to nothing. Trust me. Once you lose you’re going to get carried out on another stretcher and where are you going be at?” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

Do you still want to see Cody Garbrandt vs. Sean O’Malley?

Cody Garbrandt Is Willing To Be The Backup For Flyweight Title Fight

Cody Garbrandt is willing to serve as a backup once his UFC 269 fight is finished.

Cody Garbrandt knows what it is like to have that UFC belt wrapped around his waist. The former bantamweight champion is now looking to add another belt to his mantl…

Cody Garbrandt Brandon Deiveson Figueiredo

Cody Garbrandt is willing to serve as a backup once his UFC 269 fight is finished.

Cody Garbrandt knows what it is like to have that UFC belt wrapped around his waist. The former bantamweight champion is now looking to add another belt to his mantle. Garbrandt decided to make the drop-down to flyweight and will be making his divisional debut this Saturday at UFC 269. Even though this is s huge moment for him, he can’t help but be ready for another opportunity.

During UFC 269 fight week Garbrandt was asked if he would be willing to be on hand and serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming title bout between champion Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo. This is what he told reporters during a media scrum.

“Oh, 100%. That’s what I told Dana, well not Dana, but I was speaking to some media prior to coming here and I said, ‘Hey, we might, on Monday morning, walk in the office and do some business.’ So if that’s what they want me to do,” Garbrandt explained. “Like I said, first and foremost I’m focused on Kai Kara-France and mauling him on Saturday night, and letting the rest fall into place.”

Garbrandt will be taking on #6-ranked Kai Kara-France at UFC 269. Kara-France has been making his way up the flyweight division since he joined the UFC back in 2018. If Garbrandt can pull out the win against the tough New Zealander, he could find himself in the top five and in a good position to fight for the title very soon. His resume as a former champ will help his case when asking for a title shot and being the backup is a good position to be in.

In the past, Figueiredo has seemed to have trouble making the 125-pound flyweight championship weight limit. If he were to miss weight and Garbrandt was on hand he could get the shot he is looking for. Either way, Garbrandt needs a win on Saturday and to come out to the bout without injury. Moreno and Figueiredo are set to clash for the third time at UFC 270.

Do you think Garbrandt has what it takes to win UFC gold in the flyweight division?

Continue Reading Cody Garbrandt Is Willing To Be The Backup For Flyweight Title Fight at MMA News.

UFC 269 Predictions: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Picks

UFC 269 goes down Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s the final UFC pay-per-view on the 2021 calendar, and it looks like it could be one of the promotion’s best shows of the year…

UFC 269 goes down Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s the final UFC pay-per-view on the 2021 calendar, and it looks like it could be one of the promotion’s best shows of the year…

Kara-France: Don’t Bet On Garbrandt At UFC 269

UFC flyweight contender Kai Kara-France is confident he can upset the odds when he welcomes former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt to 125 pounds at UFC 269.

On December 11, Kara-France will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first …

Cody Garbrandt, Kai Kara-France

UFC flyweight contender Kai Kara-France is confident he can upset the odds when he welcomes former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt to 125 pounds at UFC 269.

On December 11, Kara-France will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019. After building a five-fight winning streak, the New Zealander was signed by the UFC in 2018. Following a perfect 3-0 start to his career on MMA’s biggest stage, which included victories over Elias Garcia, Raulian Paiva, and Mark De La Rose, “Don’t Blink” fell to his first loss at the hands of current champion Brandon Moreno.

What followed was a period of inconsistency. Having rebounded against Tyson Nam in front of a home crowd at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker, Kara-France was submitted by Brandon Royval last September. However, the 28-year-old burst back into contention with a memorable knockout against Rogério Bontorin at UFC 259 in March this year.

Now, looking to stake his claim for a rematch with “The Assassin Baby,” Kara-France will face former 135-pound king Garbrandt on the UFC 269 main card.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVG9r7ZP0NB/

Kara-France Looks To Spoil Garbrandt’s Flyweight Debut

Garbrandt was considered one of the top men on the roster in 2016. After going 10-0 with nine knockouts, “No Love” faced Dominick Cruz, widely renowned as one of the best bantamweights of all time, for gold at UFC 207. With a five-round masterclass, Garbrandt secured his place on the division’s mountaintop.

Since then, the powerhouse has gone 1-4. Aside from a sole KO against Raphael Assunção, Garbrandt has fallen to losses against TJ Dillashaw, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font. He’ll now look to reinvent his career with a move down to 125 pounds.

During an interview with It’s Time For Sports, Kara-France discussed what it’s like preparing to face a name as big as Garbrandt’s. The New Zealander claimed a top opponent has been long overdue.

“It’s cool when the guys that, you know, I took their style and tried to put it into my fight game and now I’ll be standing across the cage from them and getting ready to throw down… I just can’t wait to get in there. I wanna test myself against the best. I’ve been asking the UFC for a high-profile fight, so, they finally gave it to me.”

Kara-France also analysed the matchup. While he described the fight as a fan-favorite stylistic clash, “Don’t Blink” suggested Garbrandt won’t have the speed advantage he’s used to when he faces flyweights. Despite being the underdog heading into his ninth walk to the Octagon, Kara-France offered a warning to bettors looking to back “No Love.”

“I guess if you know, you’re a fight fan, and you watch the UFC, you’ll know this is a great matchup. Just momentum and timing’s everything. A few years ago, Cody was the face of the UFC. He had everything, had the belt, and he was undefeated. He was part of that elite division where they were undefeated all the way until they got a title. But he never really evolved with his style. He just came forward, always swung; that’s like, his default. Whenever he gets hurt or gets clipped, he’ll resort back to swinging, which hasn’t worked out the best for him.

T.J. Dillashaw: I: Cody Garbrandt
Image Credit: Noah K. Murray of USA TODAY Sports

“It’s one of these fights where I don’t need to worry about getting taken down. I know he’s too stubborn to do that. He’ll rather just go out on his shield than play it safe… Stylistically, we’re a great matchup. I come forward, I like to swing and kickbox. I’ve got great cardio. He’s always had the speed advantage at bantamweight, but now coming down to flyweight, he won’t have that speed advantage because we’re all fast… People, if they’re underestimating me, don’t put money on Cody, because you’re gonna lose it.”

Both men will be looking to make their case for a title shot with an impressive performance at UFC 269. In the opening pay-per-view of 2022, Moreno is set to defend his belt in a trilogy bout against Deiveson Figueiredo. While the injured Askar Askarov certainly looks to be at the front of the queue to face the victor, a convincing win for Garbrandt or Kara-France on December 11 could be enough for them to leapfrog the undefeated Russian.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 269, Kai Kara-France or Cody Garbrandt?

Continue Reading Kara-France: Don’t Bet On Garbrandt At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Is Receiving Criticism Despite Fighting A Ranked Fighter

Sean O’Malley returns at UFC 269 against the #15-ranked Raulian Paiva on Dec. 11 but is still catching flak for not fighting ranked fighters. After the masses called for O’Malley to face a ranked opponent, they got their wish–even though Paiva isn’t the most recognizable name, O’Malley maintains he’s a ranked opponent nonetheless. Fresh off […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Is Receiving Criticism Despite Fighting A Ranked Fighter at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley returns at UFC 269 against the #15-ranked Raulian Paiva on Dec. 11 but is still catching flak for not fighting ranked fighters.

After the masses called for O’Malley to face a ranked opponent, they got their wish–even though Paiva isn’t the most recognizable name, O’Malley maintains he’s a ranked opponent nonetheless. Fresh off his beatdown of UFC newcomer Kris Moutinho, O’Malley’s stock couldn’t be higher.

“Suga” holds a professional record of 11-1. The 26-year-old was tasked with fighting Marlon Vera in his fifth UFC appearance. During the fight, O’Malley was doing well with kicks from range. However, while trying to disengage from the clinch, the rising star twisted his ankle and “Chito” capitalized. Shortly after O’Malley fell to the ground, Vera rained elbows from guard until the referee stepped in to stop the contest.

O’Malley, who is now on a two-fight winning streak, spoke on his podcast, the TimboSugarShow to address all of the antagonists giving him guff about not fighting ranked fighters.

“Now I’m fighting someone ranked, they’re like who’s this? O’Malley said.

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt was the latest to attack O’Malley. The two sparked up some tension after gabbing back and forth on social media a little over a month ago.

“I hope you don’t get knocked out at strawweight because it won’t look as good when I knock you out. Good luck.” O’Malley posted.

Garbrandt was last seen in the Octagon against Rob Font in May. While the former 135-pound titleholder lost a unanimous decision, Garbrandt at least showcased his renewed durability. Following his most recent loss to Font, Garbrandt is taking his services to flyweight against Kai Kara-France at UFC 269.

As of this writing, it appears Garbrandt and Sean O’Malley are headed in different directions but will be fighting on the same card when December arrives. With the rivalry in their back pocket for now, perhaps the two will meet down the line.

Do you think Cody Garbrandt could grind Sean O’Malley out with wrestling?

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Is Receiving Criticism Despite Fighting A Ranked Fighter at MMA News.

Cody Garbrandt Admits Fear Ahead Of Flyweight Debut At UFC 269

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt has admitted that he’s “scared” ahead of his move down to the flyweight division later this year. After over six years as part of the 135-pound weight class, Garbrandt will be dropping down in an effort to rejuvenate his faltering career. Since extending his unbeaten record to 11-0 and […]

Continue Reading Cody Garbrandt Admits Fear Ahead Of Flyweight Debut At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt has admitted that he’s “scared” ahead of his move down to the flyweight division later this year.

After over six years as part of the 135-pound weight class, Garbrandt will be dropping down in an effort to rejuvenate his faltering career. Since extending his unbeaten record to 11-0 and dethroning Dominick Cruz to become champ, “No Love” has lost four of his last five fights. Back-to-back defeats to T.J. Dillashaw left him beltless and on a losing skid, before a crazy first-round knockout at the hands of Pedro Munhoz succumbed him to three consecutive setbacks. A KO of the year contender in 2020 against Raphael Assunção brought Garbrandt back into the win column, but a five-round loss against surging contender Rob Font earlier this year left the 30-year-old at a crossroads.

As many expected, Garbrandt decided to work towards a flyweight switch. The division, which looked at threat of being abolished following Henry Cejudo’s departure last year, has developed into one of the exciting in the promotion. Given the opponent he’ll be facing for his divisional debut, it stands to reason Garbrandt’s first appearance at 125 pounds will fit with that narrative.

At UFC 269, Garbrandt will meet #6-ranked Kai-Kara France. The new Zealander never fails to entertain, and he’ll be looking to use the former bantamweight champ as a leapfrog to a shot at Brandon Moreno’s 125-pound gold. With two bonuses in his last two bouts, France will certainly be bringing the fight to Garbrandt come December 11.

In a recent episode of his Rollin with the Homies podcast, Garbrandt admitted that he has to make a statement against France. The Ohio native also suggested that he fears the unanswered questions heading into his flyweight debut. Despite that, he revealed he’s feeling good about making the new weight limit and finding success at 125 pounds.

“I’ve got to make a statement, and I’m known to,” Garbrandt said. “This is a huge fight for me, (a) huge opportunity for my career. I’m as scared of this as any fight because I’ve never made 125. I’ve never fought here. There’s a lot of unanswered questions. Just like going into the Dominick Cruz fight – yeah, I could go in there and knock him out. But could I go five rounds? Could I do this? Could I do that?

“There’s so many unanswered questions that it scares me and motivates me in the sense of doing the extra. Not that I haven’t in the past, but it’s more. You have to add more onto it, then figure it out. So I think that this will be a great weight for me. My energy levels feel good. I’ve been on a diet for about two months now, so I’ve already shaved off five to seven pounds, give or take. I’m feeling good.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

UFC 269, which will be the final pay-per-view of 2021, is stacked. Alongside Garbrandt’s flyweight debut, three title fights will go down inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the main event, Charles Oliveira will look to make his first title defense against top contender Dustin Poirier. Elsewhere, Amanda Nunes will finally face Julianna Peña in their rearranged bantamweight bout. Completing the trio will be a trilogy fight between Mexico’s first UFC champ Brandon Moreno and “Deus Da Guerra” Deiveson Figueiredo.

Despite three belts being on the line after his bout, Garbrandt will be hoping to steal the show with an impressive first appearance at the lowest men’s weight class in the UFC.

Do you think Cody Garbrandt will be successful in his flyweight debut at UFC 269?

Continue Reading Cody Garbrandt Admits Fear Ahead Of Flyweight Debut At UFC 269 at MMA News.