The hard-hitting former bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his UFC 255 title fight with flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo. Although at the moment the bout isn’t cancelled, it doesn’t put Garbrandt in the best position to train. With the bout not scheduled until November 21st, it should give Cody Garbrandt enough time to recover fully.
Garbrandt picked up one of the most important wins of his career back in June. Knocking out Raphael Assuncao off the back of three knockout losses himself, Garbrandt got back to winning ways. Having switched it up and started to train with Mark Henry, ‘No Love’ seemed to thrive under the pressure. Scoring what was a knockout of the year contender for sure, Cody Garbrandt earned himself a title shot…in a whole new division.
Happy birthday, @Cody_Nolove 🙌
His insane knockout of Raphael Assuncao is even better in slow motion 😍 pic.twitter.com/iYzRQyZrSp
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) July 7, 2020
UFC 255
Deiveson Figueiredo captured the flyweight title on the second time of asking. He dominated Joseph Benevidez, outclassing him to a first-round submission victory in the main event of UFC on Fight Island 2.
This will be an interesting clash of styles in the main event of UFC 255. We know how hard Garbrandt can hit as he’s registered 10 knockouts in his 12 wins. What is interesting is that we also know that he has a tendency to be knocked out. His three losses have all come via knockout. Having never made the cut down to 125lbs, will this take away from Cody Garbrandt’s durability?
One thing we do know, Figueiredo can bang. Despite the flyweight division not being known for its knockouts, the champ has recorded nine knockouts in his career, including four in the UFC.
Be sure to tune into this one as it isn’t one to be missed.
Other fighters who have tested positive
We know all too well the havoc that COVID-19 has played with the UFC matchmaking as of late. Glover Teixeira tested positive recently, leading to his main event bout with Thiago Santos being postponed.
My fight has been moved to October 3rd. I’m still training and focused.
I wish Glover Teixeira a speedy recovery. See you on October 3rd— Thiago “Marreta” Santos (@TMarretaMMA) September 3, 2020
This weekend’s UFC on ESPN +34 card has also been affected. Ricky Simon‘s cornerman tested positive, leading to him being removed from the card. Also, Nicco Montano was scheduled for this card, although her cornerman, John Wood tested positive. In turn, she also tested positive and her scheduled bout was postponed to the October 3rd card.
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