Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt is currently recovering from his COVID-19 symptoms that he suffered back in October. He is also recovering from a torn bicep he suffered while preparing for a bout against UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo. It was later discovered that Garbrandt instead suffered a blood clot caused by a torn vein in his arm. After consulting with doctors, the clot resulted in the COVID-19 diagnosis, which thickens the patient’s blood.
The fight was supposed to be scheduled for November 21 at UFC 255. Garbrandt is planning a return in March of 2021 as he seems a second chance to face off against him, should he defeat Brandon Moreno on January 23 at UFC 257 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
That was a lamb being brought in to a slaughter to build up that Golem mfer and let me heal from covid. It’s just business. 👌
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) November 22, 2020
Garbrandt spoke with ESPN and likes what he sees in the 125-lb king being sized up against Moreno. “I feel like [Figueiredo] is gonna run over that kid,” Garbrandt told ESPN. “That’s another lamb being led to the slaughterhouse, and that’s fine. Let him build up that hype, that ‘Holy s—, this kid is the real deal.’ There will be no backing down from me. I’m excited for this fight.”
Facts!!! https://t.co/n3NuPVd3gc
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) November 22, 2020
Garbrandt defeated Dominick Cruz to become the UFC Bantamweight Champion before losing the title to TJ Dillashaw in his first and only title defense. He then defeated Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250 before deciding to drop to Flyweight. As for the status of his transition, he shouldn’t have a problem cutting weight as he walks around at 143. With a March 6 timetable, he’ll have three months to recover and await the winner of the Figueiredo-Moreno bout to get ready.