Cody Garbrandt: UFC Fighter, Former Bantamweight Champion – Biography, Age, Height, Career, Fights, and Achievements

Cody Garbrandt is an American mixed martial artist renowned for his explosive striking and wrestling background in the UFC bantamweight division. As a former UFC Bantamweight Champion, he captured the title with a stunning victory over Dominick Cruz in 2016 and has continued to compete at a high level despite setbacks from injuries and tough losses. In 2026, fresh off a controversial win at UFC 326, Garbrandt remains a fan favorite known for his resilience and knockout power in the octagon.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Cody Garbrandt was born on July 7, 1991, in Uhrichsville, Ohio, a small town where he grew up in a challenging environment marked by family instability. Raised primarily by his mother, Jessica, after his parents separated when he was one year old due to domestic issues, Garbrandt had an absent father who spent much of his life in prison. He and his older brother, Zach, often engaged in fights, which channeled into combat sports early on. At ages four and five, they started boxing under their uncle Robert Meese, an Olympic alternate, but their mother shifted them to wrestling for safety reasons.

Garbrandt attended Claymont High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football. He won the Ohio state wrestling championship as a freshman in 2007 at 112 lb (Division II) and was runner-up in 2008 at 119 lb. He also earned All-State honors in football as a junior linebacker. Nationally, he was a NHSCA Sophomore National runner-up in 2008 and placed fifth as a senior, drawing interest from Division I colleges like Penn State. However, he briefly attended Newberry College (Division II) before dropping out, citing a loss of passion for wrestling and a desire to pursue boxing and MMA. Before turning pro, he compiled a 32-0 amateur boxing record and worked various jobs, including as a bouncer and in coal mining training.

Career Journey

Cody Garbrandt’s MMA career has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, title glory, and resilience through injuries and defeats. Starting as an amateur in 2009 with a 6-2 record, he turned professional in 2012 and quickly built a reputation for his knockout power.

Amateur and Early Professional Beginnings (2009–2014)

Garbrandt debuted as an amateur in 2009, securing six wins before going pro. His professional debut came on December 29, 2012, with a first-round TKO over Charles Kessinger. He fought across weight classes early, including a featherweight KO win over Shane Manley and TKOs against Dominic Mazzotta and James Porter. In 2014, he moved to Sacramento to train with Team Alpha Male, finishing Charles Sanford in the first round before signing with the UFC.

UFC Debut and Rise to Championship (2015–2016)

Garbrandt made his UFC debut at UFC 182 on January 3, 2015, with a third-round TKO over Marcus Brimage. He followed with unanimous decision wins over Henry Briones at UFC 189 and Augusto Mendes at UFC Fight Night 83 (catchweight). His breakout came at UFC Fight Night 88 in May 2016, headlining with a first-round KO of unbeaten Thomas Almeida, earning Performance of the Night. He added another quick TKO over Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 202.

The pinnacle was at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016, where he dethroned Dominick Cruz via unanimous decision to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship, earning Fight of the Night. Garbrandt’s striking dismantled Cruz, including multiple knockdowns.

Title Defenses, Losses, and Comebacks (2017–2023)

As champion, Garbrandt coached on The Ultimate Fighter 25 against T.J. Dillashaw, but a back injury delayed their fight. He lost the title via second-round TKO to Dillashaw at UFC 217 in November 2017. The rematch at UFC 227 in August 2018 ended in a first-round KO loss. He suffered another KO defeat to Pedro Munhoz at UFC 235 in March 2019, earning Fight of the Night.

After health setbacks, including COVID-19 complications in 2020, Garbrandt rebounded with a second-round KO over Raphael Assunção at UFC 250, earning Performance of the Night. He lost a unanimous decision to Rob Font in May 2021 and a first-round TKO in his flyweight debut against Kai Kara-France at UFC 269. Back at bantamweight, he won unanimous decisions over Trevin Jones at UFC 285 in 2023 and a first-round KO over Brian Kelleher at UFC 296.

Recent Struggles and 2026 Activity (2024–2026)

Garbrandt faced more challenges, losing by rear-naked choke to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300 in April 2024—his first submission loss. Multiple withdrawals due to injuries followed, including from bouts against Miles Johns and others. He lost a unanimous decision to Raoni Barcelos at UFC on ESPN 69 in June 2025. In his latest fight at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, he defeated Xiao Long by unanimous decision, despite Long’s two point deductions for groin strikes; Garbrandt vomited mid-fight from the low blows but persevered.

Career Stats and Fight List

• Professional Record: 15-7-0 (11 KOs, 4 decisions; Losses: 4 KOs, 2 decisions, 1 submission)
• UFC Record: 10-7-0
• Notable Fights:
• Win vs. Dominick Cruz (UD, UFC 207, 2016) – Won title
• Loss vs. T.J. Dillashaw (TKO, UFC 217, 2017) – Lost title
• Loss vs. T.J. Dillashaw (KO, UFC 227, 2018)
• Win vs. Raphael Assunção (KO, UFC 250, 2020)
• Loss vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Sub, UFC 300, 2024)
• Win vs. Xiao Long (UD, UFC 326, 2026)

Personal Life

Cody Garbrandt maintains a low-key personal life focused on family and recovery from his turbulent upbringing. He met Danny Pimsanguan during his early MMA days with Pinnacle FC, and they married in July 2017. The couple welcomed their son, Kai Fisher, in March 2018. However, they divorced in 2023. Garbrandt has spoken about how fatherhood motivates him.

Family

• Ex-Spouse: Danny Pimsanguan (divorced 2023)
• Children: Kai Fisher (son, born 2018)

He credits his mother and brother for his drive, often reflecting on overcoming family hardships like addiction and violence.

Hobbies and Interests

Garbrandt enjoys boxing training, which stems from his amateur undefeated streak, and quality time with his son. His interests include fitness and mentoring young athletes.

Dating History/Affairs

No public affairs or relationships noted beyond his marriage to Pimsanguan.

Controversies

Garbrandt’s career has been plagued by health issues, including a 2020 bout with COVID-19 leading to thrombosis, brain fog, and pneumonia, causing multiple fight cancellations. His early life involved selling marijuana and family domestic abuse, but he has channeled these into motivation. The 2026 fight against Xiao Long sparked controversy due to repeated low blows and Garbrandt vomiting in the octagon.

Awards & Achievements

• UFC Bantamweight Championship (2016–2017)
• Performance of the Night (x2: vs. Thomas Almeida, Raphael Assunção)
• Fight of the Night (x2: vs. Dominick Cruz, Pedro Munhoz)
• Tied for third most knockdowns in UFC Bantamweight history (10)
• Tied for most consecutive fights with a knockdown in UFC history (7)
• 2016 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (multiple outlets like World MMA Awards, Combat Press)
• 2020 Knockout of the Year Nominee (vs. Assunção, UFC Honors)
• 2023 Comeback Fighter of the Year (Combat Press)

Physical Statistics

Cody Garbrandt stands at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) tall with a reach of 65.5 in (166 cm) and competes at 135 lb (61 kg) in the bantamweight division. His orthodox stance complements his boxing background, contributing to his 39% striking accuracy and 2.88 significant strikes per minute. He has a leg reach of 38 in (97 cm) and maintains an athletic, muscular build suited for explosive power.

Quotes

• “I guess my heart wasn’t into (wrestling) anymore. I was doing boxing, and that’s what I wanted to do.”
• “Adversity introduces a man to himself.”
• “I’m not here to take part, I’m here to take over.”

Earnings

Garbrandt’s disclosed career earnings exceed $1,128,000, with notable purses including $500,000 for his title defense against T.J. Dillashaw. Estimates place his net worth around $2-4 million in 2026, factoring in fight bonuses, sponsorships from brands like Black Buffalo, and endorsements.

Interesting Facts

• Garbrandt went 32-0 as an amateur boxer before focusing on MMA.
• He won an Ohio state wrestling title as a high school freshman.
• His nickname “No Love” reflects his tough upbringing and fighting style.
• He vomited during his 2026 fight due to low blows but still secured the win.

Did You Know Already?

Did you know Cody Garbrandt tied the UFC record for seven consecutive fights with a knockdown? Or that he dropped out of college wrestling to pursue his true passion in boxing and MMA?

Social Media Links

• Instagram: instagram.com/cody_nolove
• Twitter/X: x.com/Cody_Nolove
• Facebook: Search “Cody Garbrandt” for official page
• YouTube: Search “Cody Garbrandt” for fight highlights and interviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cody Garbrandt known for?
Cody Garbrandt is known for being a former UFC Bantamweight Champion and his knockout-heavy fighting style, with 11 of his 15 wins coming by KO.

How tall is Cody Garbrandt?
He stands at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm), with a reach of 65.5 in that aids his striking game.

Who did Cody Garbrandt fight in 2026?
In his most recent bout at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, he defeated Xiao Long by unanimous decision despite multiple low blows.

Is Cody Garbrandt still married?
No, he divorced Danny Pimsanguan in 2023; they share a son named Kai.

Conclusion

Cody Garbrandt’s journey from a troubled Ohio upbringing to UFC stardom showcases his grit and talent in mixed martial arts. With a legacy as a champion and ongoing pursuits in the octagon, he continues to inspire fighters and fans alike. If this biography caught your interest, share it to highlight his remarkable career.