Cody Garbrandt Fight News: Recent Updates, Upcoming Bouts, and What’s Next for the Former Bantamweight Champion
Current Status in the UFC Featherweight Division
After moving up from bantamweight, Cody Garbrandt has settled into the featherweight ranks with a renewed focus on speed and power. As of the latest rankings, he sits inside the top‑10 featherweights, a position he earned by stringing together two decisive victories in 2025. The former bantamweight champion’s transition has been marked by a disciplined training regimen and a partnership with longtime coach John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym Ireland.
Recent Fight Recap – Garbrandt vs. Alex Perez (July 2025)
The most recent bout on Garbrandt’s record took place at UFC 295 in Las Vegas. Facing Alex Perez, a rising contender known for his striking volume, Garbrandt displayed a balanced game plan that combined his trademark boxing with strategic leg kicks. The fight ended in the second round via technical knockout after Garbrandt landed a clean left hook that dropped Perez, followed by a series of ground‑and‑pound strikes that prompted the referee to stop the contest.
- Result: TKO (punches) – Round 2
- Performance bonuses: Garbrandt earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for the finish.
- Key stats: 45% strike accuracy, 3 of 5 takedowns attempted.
Upcoming Fight – Garbrandt vs. Bryce “The Hype” Mitchell (Scheduled for March 2026)
The UFC has officially announced that Garbrandt will headline a March 2026 event in Toronto, where he will meet Bryce Mitchell, a former lightweight grappler who has recently cut down to featherweight. This matchup pits Garbrandt’s striking evolution against Mitchell’s elite Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu. Both fighters have expressed confidence in interviews, emphasizing respect for each other’s skill sets.
Garbrandt’s camp has highlighted the importance of cardio work and defensive wrestling to counter Mitchell’s takedown threats. In contrast, Mitchell’s team is focusing on closing distance
