UFC 235: if Pedro Munhoz Takes Out Cody Garbrandt, What Could be Next For “The Young Punisher”?

Following news that Pedro Munhoz is going to throw hands with Cody Garbrandt at UFC 235, the bantamweight’s argued that a win over “No Love” will fire him right into the title shot mix. Is “The Young Punisher” right?

Munhoz has been tapped to fight the former champ on March 2nd, in what will be Garbrandt’s first bout, since he was stopped by reigning champ, T.J. Dillashaw for a second time last August. Since word of the fight first broke, Munhoz spoke with MMA Junkie about the upcoming bout, and here’s some of what he had to say:

“I was not surprised (to get this fight),” Munhoz said. “The way I fight is entertaining to people. I’m standing there looking for the knockout. When the fight goes to the floor most likely I’m going to get a guillotine or tap you out. He’s an exciting fighter, I’m an exciting fighter so I didn’t see any reason for this fight not to happen. It’s a great fight for the public.”

“Out of the last seven fights, I’ve won six. “Against John Dodson, I don’t have anything against him, but I thought I won that fight. Marlon Moraes and Raphael Assuncao are going to fight, they are beasts and I believe they both deserve to fight for the title. If I beat Cody and they want to match me up with one of those guys, great. If it’s for the title, even greater. I’m here to do my job. To come and fight and whoever they put in front of me that’s who I’ll try to finish.”

So, first off, yes, there’s every reason to believe that this could be a very exciting fight. And in terms of what a win for Munhoz could deliver him?

Well, as he noted, the 32-year-old has won 6 of his last 7 fights. Munhoz’s only loss during that stretch, against the aforementioned Dodson, was via split decision. So, there’s no doubt he has a ton of momentum behind him. Especially when you consider that Munhoz took out the veteran Bryan Carawy in his last fight, and that he holds wins over the likes of Justin Scoggins and Rob Font.

So, if Munhoz does go out and defeat the #1 ranked contender in Gabrandt, in all likelihood, he’s going to be propelled into the title shot mix. Especially if he does so via a finish. Since Munhoz is currently ranked #9, however, he’ll likely need to defeat another top contender before fighting for gold.

Theorizing about what could happen with an emphatic win over Garbrandt, and having that happen, however, are two different things.