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Cody Garbrandt Teases 'Big Callouts' In Planned Post-Fight Interview At UFC 296: 'It's Time To Make Another Run...'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 12/15/23

This weekend's UFC 296 pay-per-view marks a big one for ex-bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, as he looks to continue his rise back up the divisional ladder.

Garbrandt entered 2017 with an undefeated professional record, the 135-pound gold in his possession, and an incredible performance opposite Dominick Cruz in his rear-view mirror.

But over the next five years, "No Love" experienced a notable fall from grace, going 1-5 across six walks to the Octagon. The run included knockout losses to rival TJ Dillashaw and veteran Pedro Munhoz, as well as a failed drop to flyweight against Kai Kara-France in 2021.

After sitting out 2022, the former champ returned at UFC 285 this past March, where he outpointed Trevin Jones. And in his next step back towards contention, Garbrandt has been tasked with defeating Brian Kelleher.

Although he doesn't plan on looking past "Boom" this weekend at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena, "No Love" is looking to stake his claim for a return to high-profile matchups in 2024.

Garbrandt Plans To 'Call His Shot' At UFC 296

During a recent interview with Morning Kombat, Garbrandt looked ahead to his return to action and assessed the man who will await him inside the Octagon at UFC 296 this Saturday.

While "No Love" has been looking to rediscover winning form outside of the rankings this year, he's seemingly hoping to jump back into the deep end in 2024 — a plan that he'll be laying out inside the cage should he have his hand raised.

"After this knockout victory over Brian this Saturday, I'd like to stay busy next year, in 2024. I think three fights would be attainable and realistic for me and what I wanna do," Garbrandt said. "It's time to make another run, and that's what I'm looking forward to. But I'm not looking past Brian on Saturday.

"I think it's huge for fighters to not only reward themselves with the victory and take some time to let that digest, but also to plan for the next fights," Garbrandt continued. "Call your shots, you know? That's our time after our win, when Joe Rogan's interviewing you. You've got the mic... I'll be dropping some big callouts after this. But like I said, I'm focused on Brian."

Despite his tumble down the pecking order in recent years and numerous injury setbacks, Garbrandt doesn't appear to have lost his motivation to compete and fully believes that a return to the championship conversation is on the cards soon.