UFC Fight Night 83 is only days away and one of the best fights on the card was scrapped after John Lineker came down with Dengue fever. Cody Garbrandt has been waiting to get his hands on a top-ranked fighter but will have to wait even longer after the Brazilian-native pulled out. The UFC was quick to replace the Lineker with newcomer Augusto Mendes who will make his UFC debut against the 7-0 Garbrandt.
MMASucka President and CEO Jeremy Brand spoke to Garbrandt earlier in February and discussed the opportunity to fight the 11th ranked UFC bantamweight. Garbrandt was clearly pumped for the biggest fight of his career and discussed his training regiment to get prepared for Lineker. While Garbrandt is surely at a disadvantage after losing his chance at a ranked fighter, Mendes has the opportunity of a lifetime against the team Alpha Male member on Sunday.
Mendes is coming over from the Legacy FC promotion after going 5-0 as a pro. He has finished all five opponents including three straight wins with Legacy FC. He finished his first two professional bouts via armbar and went on to make his Legacy FC debut in 2014. He entered the Legacy FC bantamweight title picture but has not fought since July 17 of last year.
Outside of his MMA accomplishments, Mendes is a tremendous BJJ practitioner and considers this his greatest asset. The MMA Lab product comes from a great group of grapplers and has showcased his talents on the BJJ stage over the last decade. With a 47-20 grappling record, Mendes has full confidence if the fight his the mat against anyone in the MMA world.
For his upcoming bout, Mendes will have to bring his A game in the striking department. Garbrandt is a dangerous striker with quick hands and could end the fight with the right combination. In his UFC debut, Garbrandt proved his abilities in the striking department against Marcus Brimage, finishing the UFC veteran in the third round despite breaking his hand early in the fight.
Mendes has just one win via TKO and Garbrandt will do everything he can to keep it on his feet. With both fighters hailing from great wrestling camps, it will be interesting to see where the fight goes over three rounds. If Mendes can weather the storm and pull off the incredible upset, team Alpha Male will have another tough pill to swallow come Sunday night. Nevertheless, Garbrandt is extremely hungry and has all the skills to shoot up the UFC bantamweight ladder in 2016.
Garbrandt and Mendes will hit the octagon this Sunday in Pittsburgh for UFC Fight Night 83: Cowboy vs. Cowboy. Keep it locked to MMASucka for all the news heading into fight night this weekend.
