Tag: Raphael Assuncao

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt will make his long-awaited return to the octogen against top 135lb contender Raphael Assuncao.

Garbrandt has not fought since picking up a third straight knockout loss to Pedro Muhnoz at UFC 235 in March 2019.

According to MMA Fighting he will finally get back to fighting on June 6, the report reads.

“Former 135-pound champion Cody Garbrandt is expected to get back in action against Raphael Assuncao in a bantamweight showdown currently targeted for a UFC card on June 6.

“Multiple sources confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Saturday with verbal agreements in place for the fight. The June 6 date is tentative for now as the UFC continues to build out its schedule in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic forcing the promotion to postpone or cancel several shows.”

Garbrandt and Assuncao were supposed to fight UFC Columbus on March 28, however the former champion was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an issue with his kidneys.

‘No Love’ willing be looking to earn a last win at 135lbs on June 6 before moving down to flyweight. Garbrandt previously announced his intentions to change weight classes, he said.

“First, we’re focused on Raphael, and that’s still the fight to make and the fight next. Then go down and really save the flyweight division.”

Assuncao will also be desperate to get the win after suffering back-to-back losses against Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Moraes.

So far, the UFC have revealed plans to host three shows in Jacksonville, Florida on May 8, May 13 and May 16. Beyond those events no further schedule has been released although Dana White has previously said he’ll be churning out cards every week to bring his schedule back into line.

Will Cody Garbrandt get back to winning ways on June 6?

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt has
been forced out of his fight against top contender Raphael Assuncao at UFC Ohio.

ESPN who first reported the news said ‘No Love’
was hospitalized earlier this week due to kidney issues during
his training camp in New Jersey. He had recently moved to the city to begin
working under head coach Mark Henry and training with the likes of Eddie
Alvarez and Frankie Edgar.

The Ohio native later confirmed his withdrawal from the card and explained the painful symptoms he had been experiencing for quite some time, he told ESPN.

“I honestly don’t know what it is,” Garbrandt said.
“A month ago, I had cellulitis in my shin. I went to the hospital and got that
cleared with antibiotics. I got back into training, but then last Friday, the
lymph nodes in my groin were inflamed and I didn’t feel well. I thought it was
just due to rough training.

“On Saturday, I had flu-like symptoms. The lymph
nodes were so inflamed I couldn’t walk. I took an Uber to the hospital and did
a bunch of tests on my blood, kidneys, CAT scan. The doctor sent me home, and
20 minutes later I felt even worse and started pissing blood.”

Garbrandt hasn’t fought since losing against Pedro Muhnoz at UFC 235 in March 2019. The 28-year-old hasn’t won a fight since capturing the 135lb title by beating Dominick Cruz at UFC 207 in 2016. He lost back-to-back fights against TJ Dillashaw before his most recent defeat to Muhnoz.

It is so far unknown if the Brazilian contender Assuncao will remain of the card. With just over two weeks until UFC Ohio the promotion now faces the tough task of finding a replacement opponent able to make weight on late notice. All this whilst they continue to debate if the event is even safe to hold amid the ongoing Corona Virus pandemic.

Who
should replace Cody Garbrandt and face Raphael Assuncao at UFC Ohio?