Cody Garbrandt’s Most Significant UFC Losses
Cody Garbrandt entered the UFC with a reputation for knockout power and a confident swagger that earned him the nickname “The Nightmare.” While his early career was marked by rapid ascents and championship glory, a series of high‑profile defeats have shaped his legacy as much as his victories. This article reviews the pivotal losses that defined Garbrandt’s trajectory, the circumstances surrounding each bout, and the reactions from his family and corner.
UFC 217 – Loss to TJ Dillashaw (November 4 2017)
At UFC 217, Garbrandt faced longtime rival TJ Dillashaw for the bantamweight title. The fight was billed as a clash of two American fighters with contrasting styles: Garbrandt’s aggressive striking versus Dillashaw’s technical precision. After a competitive first round, Dillashaw landed a clean left hook in the second round, sending Garbrandt to the canvas. The referee stopped the bout, awarding Dillashaw a second‑round knockout.
The loss sparked intense media coverage and a flood of social media commentary. Garbrandt’s family and corner, including longtime trainer Nick “The Ninja” Faber and former teammate Jesse Van Zant, expressed disappointment but remained supportive. In post‑fight interviews, Faber emphasized the need for Garbrandt to “refocus on fundamentals,” while Van Zant highlighted the champion’s “unbreakable spirit” despite the knockout.
UFC 269 – Loss to Aljamain Sterling (December 11 2021)
Garbrandt returned to the bantamweight division at UFC 269, stepping in as a short‑notice replacement against Aljamain Sterling. The bout was a five‑round war that showcased Garbrandt’s resilience. However, Sterling’s grappling and relentless pressure culminated in a fourth‑round technical knockout. The referee halted the contest after Garbrandt was unable to defend effectively against a series of unanswered strikes.
After the fight, Garbrandt’s camp praised his willingness to take a fight on short notice, noting that “the heart was there, even if the preparation wasn’t ideal.” The loss marked Garbrandt’s third defeat in the bantamweight division and raised questions about his ability to compete against elite grapplers.
UFC 255 – Loss to Petr Yan (November 21 2020)
In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 255, Garbrandt faced former featherweight champion Petr Yan. Yan’s superior footwork and crisp striking proved decisive. After three rounds of back‑and‑forth action, Yan secured a unanimous decision victory, handing Garbrandt his first loss by decision. The judges scored the fight 29‑28, 29‑28, and 30‑27 in Yan’s favor.
Garbrandt’s corner highlighted the learning experience, noting
