Challenges Faced by Cody Garbrandt: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Cody Garbrandt. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Cody Garbrandt is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division of the UFC. He is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion. Known for his knockout power and fast hands, Garbrandt rose to prominence with an undefeated record, culminating in his title victory over Dominick Cruz. While he has experienced setbacks since then, Garbrandt remains a notable figure in the UFC's bantamweight division, known for his exciting fighting style.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 8, 2017: UFC 213 Bout Scrapped

On July 8, 2017, Cody Garbrandt was expected to face T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 213; however, the bout was scrapped on May 23 after Garbrandt sustained a back injury.

November 4, 2017: Loss to T.J. Dillashaw

On November 4, 2017, at UFC 217, Cody Garbrandt faced T.J. Dillashaw for the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Despite knocking Dillashaw down in the first round, Garbrandt lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round, marking his first loss and losing the title.

August 4, 2018: Rematch Loss to T.J. Dillashaw

On August 4, 2018, at UFC 227, Cody Garbrandt faced T.J. Dillashaw in a rematch for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, losing the fight via knockout in the first round.

March 2, 2019: Loss to Pedro Munhoz

On March 2, 2019, at UFC 235, Cody Garbrandt made his return against Pedro Munhoz. He was knocked out in the first round. Both participants received the Fight of the Night bonus award.

March 28, 2020: Pulled Out of Fight

On March 28, 2020, Cody Garbrandt was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção at UFC on ESPN 8, but he pulled out of the fight on March 12 due to kidney problems.

August 29, 2020: Tested Positive for COVID-19

On August 29, 2020, Cody Garbrandt later revealed he tested positive for COVID-19, as well as suffering from thrombosis, brain fog, and pneumonia.

October 2, 2020: Pulled Out of Contest

On October 2, 2020, it was reported that Cody Garbrandt had to pull out of the contest against Deiveson Figueiredo.

May 22, 2021: Loss to Rob Font

On May 22, 2021, Cody Garbrandt faced Rob Font at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt, losing the bout via unanimous decision.

December 11, 2021: Flyweight Debut Loss

On December 11, 2021, Cody Garbrandt made his Flyweight debut against Kai Kara-France at UFC 269, losing the fight via TKO in the first round.

July 9, 2022: Scheduled Fight

On July 9, 2022, Cody Garbrandt was scheduled to face Rani Yahya at UFC on ESPN 39. However, Yahya withdrew in mid-June due to a neck injury.

October 1, 2022: Scheduled Fight and Withdrawal

On October 1, 2022, Cody Garbrandt's bout with Rani Yahya was expected to take place at UFC Fight Night 211; however, Yahya withdrew again in mid-September for unknown reasons. Garbrandt also suffered a training injury, pulling him from the card.

August 19, 2023: Scheduled Fight and Withdrawal

On August 19, 2023, Cody Garbrandt was scheduled to face Mario Bautista at UFC 292; however, Garbrandt withdrew a week before the event due to injury and was replaced by Da'Mon Blackshear.

April 13, 2024: Loss to Deiveson Figueiredo

On April 13, 2024, at UFC 300, Cody Garbrandt faced Deiveson Figueiredo, losing the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the second round, marking his first loss by submission.

November 9, 2024: Scheduled Fight

On November 9, 2024, Cody Garbrandt was scheduled to face Miles Johns at UFC Fight Night 247. However, Garbrandt withdrew from the bout due to undisclosed reasons and the bout was scrapped.