Cody Garbrandt rejects the idea of ​​a rematch against Dominick Cruz and reinforces his challenge to Deiveson

cody garbrandt in victory in UFC 296. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews

After overcoming a very complicated phase in his career and scoring two consecutive victories in 2023, cody garbrandt He is much more interested in the future than in the past. Constantly linked to a possible rematch against Dominick Cruz, the former champion refuted the possibility and revealed other plans for next year.

In an interview with the North American 'ESPN', cody garbrandt ruled out any interest in a second fight against Dominick Cruz, arguing that it would be very difficult to surpass the performance of their first meeting, in 2016, when he dethroned his rival for the bantamweight belt in one of the most impressive performances by a challenger in the history of Ultimate.

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“Honestly, this fight (against Dominick Cruz) I do not care. What else was I supposed to do with the guy? Get in there and knock him out this time? It's the only thing that would make sense. It’s difficult to top that performance,” said the former champion.

The primary target of cody garbrandt currently goes by the name of Deiveson Figueiredo, the Brazilian former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) who moved up to bantamweight and debuted in the new category with a victory over Rob font.

“I can face anyone. It doesn't matter. But, in the end, Deiveson Figueiredo reached bantamweight and won Rob font, so if I knock him out, I can get back into title talks. That's what I'm here to do. He doesn't want to be another one in the sport. I always want to be at the top. I think this fight, stylistically and everything else, can put me back on top”, analyzed Garbrandt.

Thinking more in the long term, another target in the sights of cody garbrandt is former opponent Sean O’Malley, current champion of the category.

“If Sean (O’Malley) is still the champion when my time comes, I would absolutely love it. If he doesn't go, I need to find a way to get to him. I think a collision with Sean is definitely in the near future. A money fight. Sean and I have history and I would love to beat him around,” he concluded.