Cody Garbrandt currently holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 15 wins and 7 losses (15–7–0). A former UFC Bantamweight Champion, Garbrandt is recognized for his exceptional hand speed, wrestling pedigree, and knockout power. His career trajectory represents one of the most volatile and captivating journeys in the history of the 135-pound division, characterized by a meteoric rise to the world title followed by a challenging period of rebuilding.

According to the most recent competitive data, Garbrandt has secured 11 of his 15 victories by way of knockout, underscoring his reputation as a "finish-first" fighter. His defensive capabilities remain high-level, boasting a significant takedown defense rate that forces opponents to engage with him in high-stakes striking exchanges.

Summary of Professional Career Statistics

To understand the record of Cody Garbrandt, it is essential to look beyond the win-loss column and examine the methods of his results. His reliance on boxing-centric striking is evident in his finish rate.

Wins by Method

  • Knockout (KO/TKO): 11 (73% of total wins)
  • Decision: 4 (27% of total wins)
  • Submission: 0

Losses by Method

  • Knockout (KO/TKO): 4
  • Submission: 1
  • Decision: 2

Garbrandt's professional career began in 2012, following a highly successful amateur boxing and wrestling background. His early record was a string of first-round finishes that quickly caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), leading to his debut on the world stage in early 2015.

Chronological Fight History and Recent Results

The evolution of Cody Garbrandt's record can be divided into distinct eras: the initial surge, the championship glory, the subsequent slump, and his recent strategic resurgence.

Recent Competitive Form (2023–2026)

In the latest chapter of his career, Garbrandt has focused on a more calculated approach to striking, emphasizing footwork and veteran savvy over raw aggression.

  • Win vs. Xiao Long (UFC 326, March 7, 2026): Garbrandt secured a unanimous decision victory. This fight demonstrated his ability to manage three full rounds of high-paced action, utilizing his wrestling defense and superior counter-punching to outpoint a younger, aggressive prospect.
  • Loss vs. Raoni Barcelos (UFC on ESPN 69, June 14, 2025): A highly technical striking battle where Garbrandt fell short on the judges' scorecards. Despite the loss, he showed improved durability and defensive awareness.
  • Loss vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (UFC 300, April 13, 2024): Facing the former Flyweight champion, Garbrandt was submitted in the second round via rear-naked choke. This loss highlighted the dangers of the elite grappling present in the modern Bantamweight division.
  • Win vs. Brian Kelleher (UFC 296, December 16, 2023): A vintage performance where Garbrandt delivered a first-round knockout, reminding the division of his fight-ending power.

The Rise to the Championship (2015–2016)

The run that defined Garbrandt’s legacy was his undefeated streak leading to the title. During this period, his record was a perfect showcase of aggressive efficiency.

  • Win vs. Dominick Cruz (UFC 207, December 30, 2016): The career-defining performance. Garbrandt defeated the pound-for-pound great via unanimous decision to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship. He famously mocked Cruz’s movement while landing multiple knockdowns, a feat few thought possible at the time.
  • Win vs. Takeya Mizugaki (UFC 202, August 20, 2016): A 48-second TKO that solidified his status as the number one contender.
  • Win vs. Thomas Almeida (UFC Fight Night 88, May 29, 2016): In a battle of undefeated prospects, Garbrandt knocked out Almeida in the first round, effectively ending the Brazilian's hype train.
  • Win vs. Augusto Mendes (UFC Fight Night 83, February 21, 2016): A first-round TKO victory.
  • Win vs. Henry Briones (UFC 189, July 11, 2015): His first professional fight to go to a decision, proving his gas tank could hold up in the UFC.
  • Win vs. Marcus Brimage (UFC 182, January 3, 2015): A spectacular TKO debut with only seconds remaining in the third round.

The Rivalry with TJ Dillashaw and the Losing Streak

Following his title win, Garbrandt faced a series of setbacks that significantly impacted his professional record. The rivalry with former teammate TJ Dillashaw was a pivotal turning point.

  • Loss vs. TJ Dillashaw (UFC 227, August 4, 2018): A first-round KO loss in the rematch.
  • Loss vs. TJ Dillashaw (UFC 217, November 4, 2017): Garbrandt lost his title via TKO in the second round after nearly finishing Dillashaw at the end of the first.
  • Loss vs. Pedro Munhoz (UFC 235, March 2, 2019): A chaotic first-round knockout loss where Garbrandt engaged in a wild trade of punches, a tactical error he would later admit to.
  • Loss vs. Rob Font (UFC Fight Night, May 22, 2021): A five-round decision loss where Font’s jab proved to be a difficult obstacle for Garbrandt to overcome.

Statistical Breakdown of Fighting Style

Cody Garbrandt's record is supported by high-level technical metrics provided by official UFC tracking. These numbers offer insight into why his fights often end in highlight-reel finishes.

Striking Metrics

Garbrandt lands an average of 2.79 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 40%. While his volume is not the highest in the division, the impact of his strikes is profound. His knockdown average of 0.94 per 15 minutes is among the highest in the Bantamweight class, indicating that when he connects, he does so with fight-altering force.

His defensive striking stands at 59%, meaning he successfully evades or blocks the majority of incoming attacks. However, his tendency to stay in the pocket has historically left him vulnerable to counter-hooks, a factor that contributed to his knockout losses between 2017 and 2019.

Grappling and Defense

Despite being known as a striker, Garbrandt's wrestling is his secret weapon. He maintains an elite 82% takedown defense rate. This high percentage allows him to dictate where the fight takes place. Opponents who attempt to take him down often find themselves stuck in a standing boxing match, which plays directly into Garbrandt’s strengths.

His own takedown accuracy sits at 23%. While he rarely initiates offensive wrestling, he has used it effectively in fights like the Dominick Cruz bout to score points and disrupt the opponent's rhythm.

The Move to Flyweight: A Brief Experiment

In late 2021, Garbrandt made a high-profile move down to the 125-pound Flyweight division. He faced Kai Kara-France at UFC 269 on December 11, 2021. The result was a first-round TKO loss for Garbrandt.

The weight cut was widely discussed as a potential factor in his performance, leading Garbrandt to eventually return to his natural home at Bantamweight. This move is a significant footnote in his record, showing his willingness to take risks to find a path back to championship contention.

Training Evolution and Team Changes

A fighter's record is often a reflection of their environment. Garbrandt spent the majority of his successful early career at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, training under Urijah Faber. The gym's emphasis on wrestling and high-pace scrambles complemented his natural athleticism.

Following the losses to Dillashaw and Munhoz, Garbrandt sought to diversify his skills. He spent time training with Mark Henry in New Jersey to refine his boxing fundamentals and eventually moved his camp to Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. These transitions are visible in his more recent fights, where he has displayed a more patient and disciplined approach, moving away from the "brawling" style that cost him victories in the past.

Impact on the Bantamweight Division

Regardless of his current ranking, Cody Garbrandt remains one of the most significant figures in the Bantamweight division's history. His victory over Dominick Cruz ended an era of dominance and ushered in a new age of high-power strikers at 135 pounds.

His record of 11 knockouts remains a benchmark for power in the lighter weight classes. Furthermore, his ability to draw viewers and headline events speaks to his "star power," which often transcends a simple win-loss record. He has consistently fought the highest level of competition, with almost every opponent on his UFC record being a ranked contender or former champion.

Career Achievements and Ranks

  • UFC Bantamweight Champion: (One successful title win, zero defenses)
  • Performance of the Night: (Multiple occasions, including the win over Thomas Almeida and Raphael Assuncao)
  • Fight of the Night: (Notably against Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz)
  • Amateur Boxing Record: 32–0
  • Wrestling Honors: Ohio State Champion, NCAA Division II experience.

Conclusion

Cody Garbrandt's professional MMA record of 15–7–0 tells the story of an athlete who reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport through pure talent and intensity. While he faced a difficult mid-career stretch against elite competition, his recent victories suggest a fighter who has adapted his style for longevity.

For fans and analysts, Garbrandt remains a "must-watch" athlete. His combination of world-class wrestling defense and lightning-fast hands ensures that any fight he is involved in has the potential to end in an instant. As he continues his journey in the UFC Bantamweight division, each subsequent addition to his record will be a testament to his resilience and evolution as a martial artist.

Summary Table: Cody Garbrandt's Professional MMA Career

Statistic Value
Total Fights 22
Total Wins 15
Total Losses 7
KO/TKO Wins 11
Decision Wins 4
Submission Wins 0
Last Fight Result Win (vs. Xiao Long)
Current Division Bantamweight

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Cody Garbrandt's current record?

As of March 2026, Cody Garbrandt holds a professional record of 15 wins and 7 losses.

Who did Cody Garbrandt beat to win the title?

He defeated Dominick Cruz via unanimous decision at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016, to become the UFC Bantamweight Champion.

How many knockouts does Cody Garbrandt have?

Garbrandt has 11 knockout victories in his professional career, which accounts for over 70% of his wins.

Has Cody Garbrandt ever won by submission?

No, Cody Garbrandt has not yet recorded a submission win in his professional MMA career. His victories have come via knockout or decision.

What is Cody Garbrandt's takedown defense percentage?

Cody Garbrandt has a very high takedown defense rate of approximately 82%, making him one of the hardest fighters to wrestle in the Bantamweight division.

At what weight class does Cody Garbrandt fight?

He primarily competes in the Bantamweight (135 lbs) division, though he had a brief one-fight stint in the Flyweight (125 lbs) division in 2021.