Cody Garbrandt
Should fight: [autotag]Marlon Moraes[/autotag]
Why they should fight: All Garbrandt needed to do was win against Raphael Assuncao and it would’ve alleviated the pressure around his fall since losing the UFC title. Well, he not only won, but he did it with a brilliant buzzer-beater knockout that will live on highlight reels for some time.
Assuncao might be on the back end of his career, but he’s definitely no slouch and a more than credible win for Garbrandt to get back on track. He’s once again a factor in the loaded bantamweight division, and he’s certain to get a big fight against a top contender.
With the way the 135-pound weight class is shaking out, with Aldo vs. Yan in the plans and Sterling having next, the most logical remaining matchup for “No Love” lays against Moraes (23-6-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC).
Not only is that a fascinating matchup on paper with the two styles, but there’s compelling backstory. Garbrandt joined Moraes’ former team under coach Mark Henry for his preparation to fight Assuncao, and there’s no doubt Henry facing his former pupil would be a large part of the pre-fight narrative.
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