Cody Garbrandt's Next Steps After UFC 329 Loss
Cody Garbrandt faced a first-round knockout loss to Adrian Yanez at UFC 329, marking his sixth stoppage defeat in eight bouts since 2017. Despite this setback, the former bantamweight champion intends to continue his career, emphasizing the need for strategic matchmaking rather than a quick return to title contention.
Garbrandt, now 33, still showcases explosive speed and power, but his defensive weaknesses have become prominent. Three potential opponents have been identified for his next fight: a rematch with Dominick Cruz, who is also a former champion, Chris Gutierrez, a technical striker ranked No. 11, and Kyler Phillips, a grappler-striker hybrid ranked No. 13.
A rematch with Cruz could provide a chance for Garbrandt to redeem himself against a familiar rival, while a fight with Gutierrez would test his ability to manage distance against a methodical striker. Phillips would challenge Garbrandt's wrestling skills and adaptability in the octagon. Each matchup presents a different opportunity for Garbrandt to assess his viability in the sport while avoiding knockout threats that have plagued him recently.
