In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Cody Garbrandt responded to Deiveson Figueiredo’s comments, accusing Figueiredo of giving up on himself and lacking self-belief due to missed weight cuts and struggles moving between weight classes. Garbrandt implies that Figueiredo’s move to bantamweight was prompted by difficulties cutting weight rather than genuine competitiveness.
Originally slated to fight Figueiredo during the latter’s reign as flyweight champion at UFC 255, Garbrandt had to withdraw due to a torn bicep. Following this setback, Garbrandt suffered a loss to Kai Kara-France in his flyweight debut but ultimately decided to return to bantamweight, where he previously held the title.
Figueiredo transitioned to bantamweight after losing his flyweight title to Brandon Moreno. Despite a loss in their tetralogy at UFC 283, Figueiredo rebounded with a victory over Rob Font in December, indicating his resilience and adaptability.
With his sights set on reclaiming his former glory at bantamweight, Garbrandt aims to recapture the success he experienced when he defeated Dominick Cruz at UFC 207. Despite enduring three consecutive knockout losses afterward, recent victories over Brian Kelleher and Trevin Jones demonstrate Garbrandt’s resurgence and determination.
As the tension escalates ahead of UFC 300, the event’s first fight sees Garbrandt and Figueiredo engage in a war of words, setting the stage for a compelling showdown. Garbrandt seeks to silence Figueiredo and assert his dominance inside the Octagon, fueled by newfound motivation and improved mental well-being.
